Post by Diarist on Jan 22, 2016 21:54:35 GMT 1
Benito Mussolini, who is also the Italian Minister of War, was for the first time receiving open criticism from members of the Grand Council of Fascism. It was argued that the Anglo-French reaction was predictable and a peaceful solution to Abyssinian problem should have been pursued. Mussolini, angry and feeling betrayed by Italy's former allies in The Great War, rejected all criticism.
He ordered the CCNN Legions on the Egyptian border to capture the Suez Canal, the 5th Infantry Division in Benghazi is to support them. General de Bono is ordered to do what ever is necessary to recapture Massawa, including the use of chemical weapons against the British forces there. The front in Abyssinia is to be held at all costs. On the border with Tunisia a 'vigorous' defence will be organized.
The French invaders in Aosta and Liguria must be driven out of Italy. Army and Air units from northern and central Italy will be transferred to contain then throw out the enemy forces.
The Regia Marina was not mentioned - it had practically ceased to exist as a fighting force.
In fact, the British forces in Egypt are vastly outnumbered but the Italians have little motorization and the artillery is outdated and also lacking in numbers. Although there is a large Italian air force in Libya there is little fuel available and much of that was destroyed by British and French attacks.