11 Sep 1935 - Berlin

[Diarist]

Konteradmiral Wilhelm Canaris, head of the Abwehr, Germany's official military intelligence agency, began receiving reports from Italy shortly before 0700. It quickly became apparent that this was a major assault and as the morning passed the full scope of the Anglo-French operation was becoming increasingly evident. The first meeting with Hitler and his senior staff was at 1300 and Canaris reported a devastating attack on the Italian Navy, the invasion of NW Italy and full-scale operations against Italian forces in East and North Africa as well as Rhodos. The Auswärtiges Amt reported that Britain, France and Greece had announced their departure from the League of Nations and had also declared war on the Kingdom of Italy. Even Reinhard Heydrich, head of the Geheimen Staatspolizeiamtes, had to admit that the actions against Italy had taken him completely by surprise. 

Hitler was quiet asking what options are available. Militarily none, was the general consensus. Britain and France may have committed most of their navies but their air and land forces at home we were still impressive. Diplomatically, Germany could offer to act as a mediator given the apparent inability of the League of Nations to have any influence over the combatants. The Austrian question was raised. Since Italy is otherwise occupied a Union with the Germany neighbour appears more attractive. The Rhineland was also discussed but rejected as being too risky. It would mean breaking the Locarno Treaties.

The meeting was adjourned until 0900 the following morning.

[Diarist]

A second meeting was held at 20:00 in the presence of Adolf Hitler. Admiral Canaris could report that the Italian Navy had ceased to exist and that the majority of their bases and shipbuilding yards had also been destroyed. He estimated that six French divisions had invaded NW Italy. They had initially gained much ground but Italian resistance is stiffening. It is unlikely that Torino will fall unless the French are willing to commit much more forces.

The situation in East Africa is catastrophic for the Italians, especially in Eritrea. They have lost both ports on the Red Sea and their advance into Abyssinia appears to have been stopped. Resupply is impossible due to the closure of the Suez Canal to Italian shipping. He and the Foreign Secretary advised against any response by Germany even in respect to Austria because it would place Germany in the same category as Italy. Condemn Italy for invading Abyssinia but criticize Britain and France for being too heavy-handed with their response.