Post by Diarist on Jan 26, 2016 11:03:12 GMT 1
Admiral Canaris has now identified up to eight French divisions taking part in operations in NW Italy. The prime target appears to be the city of Torino, the capital of Piedmont. The destruction of the naval infrastructure continues with almost a dozen battleships involved. Attempts to mobilize the Italian Army are being hampered by air and naval bombardment of their garrison depots. Also the roads heading eastwards from Piedmont are full of refugees trying to escape the advancing French Army.
Adolf Hitler, Reichsführer SS Heinrich Himmler and Foreign Secretary Konstantin Freiherr von Neurath all support the annexation of Austria and the Wehrmacht has been ordered to prepare plans for a 'peaceful' march into the neighbouring country. Britain and France and so embroiled in their conflict with Italy that they cannot get militarily involved. The Führer stressed 'peaceful'. No tanks, nor artillery, just infantry on bicycles with flowers. A delegation will be sent to Vienna to put pressure on the Austrian government to accede to this proposal. Austria will now not be able to count on support from Rome. The meeting was adjourned.