[Diplomacy]
The Italian Embassy in Berlin was enraged. Leaked documents from the NIS indicates that the German Kaiser was making a deal with the French government. They wanted a non-aggression pact with the French in exchange for some territorial concessions in Alsace-Lorraine. The Italian government was infuriated by this, the King himself calling it a “Betrayal to the Italian people”. Many in Italy called for Germany to end the negotiations, or all cooperation may cease. The air was so tense, you could cut it with a knife. Many are calling it a "diplomatic shit-show". Honestly, they may be right, because now the Italian government is pissed at the Germans. The Italian people also felt betrayed, as the whole reason they invaded France was for the promise of Germany invading from the north after Russia was defeated.
Meanwhile, the newly formed Persian Republic has begun their first free and fair elections. Of course, the Italian NIS expects for Reza Pahlavi to win the election. The Republican government has worked with the Italians ever since their revolution. With the Anglo-Russian Powers out of Persian affairs, Persia now has full control over their own economic and foreign policy. Persia has agreed to sell Oil and other resources to the Italians for a discount in exchange for helping to modernize the Persian Armed forces. This deal was to be a starting off point for a potential Italo-Persian Alliance in the future.
[Franco-Italian Front]
The French Offensive has officially ended. An Italian counterattack forced the French to dig in and defend their gains. It was going to be difficult to move the front, but given the right pressure, it’s possible. Various French Resistance cells were quelled, with many being executed for rebellion. It was time for the Italians to be on the defensive, and wait for the French to try and reclaim their territory. Both sides knew that the front line was going to be difficult, almost improbable, to move in either direction.
[Africa Front]
At long last, after weeks of fierce fighting, Egypt had fallen to the Italians. In Cairo, the Italian flag flew over the city, as men celebrated this momentous achievement. The Ottomans agreed to hand over the occupation of the Sinai Peninsula in exchange for NIS support in quelling the Arab Revolt. While the British managed to evacuate 400k men, 5,000 men were killed, and 45,000 had surrendered. They would be treated with respect, for they had fought with honor and bravery against overwhelming odds. They had earned the respect of the Italian High Command. Even though the Suez was damaged, experts expect it to take only a few weeks to repair, and they got to work on it immediately. In Kenya, the Italian forces crossed the Tana River. After much fighting, they managed to reach the city of Mombasa, to be greeted with a massive British defense. In Uganda, little resistance was put up, and so the Italians managed to conquer all of Uganda with little issue. Unexpectedly, the Italians realized that the Germans had fallen back and fortified the coastline, leaving the northern border to be conquered by the British. After some fighting, it was determined that they couldn’t advance any further without losing a lot more men. So, the Italians began building defensive positions adjacent to the British. They really were stalemated in Africa. Meanwhile, coastal artillery began searching for the evacuated British forces in the Red Sea, much to no avail. However, if the British did try and go through the Gulf of Aden, they would be met with a gun that can fire up to 29 miles.
[Air and Naval Front]
The Italians had single-handedly won the Mediterranean Front. It was their conquest of the Suez that sealed the gates. It was the NIS which guaranteed Spanish support, securing Gibraltar. North Africa had fallen to the Italians, and the various Mediterranean islands owned by the Entente were secured. Now, the Regia Marina began rebuilding and resupplying. One Front had ended, and another has merely just begun. In the air war, the Regia Aeronautica began to bombard French cities to counter any ability to launch an offensive.
{ NIS Operations }
The NIS took advantage of the disgruntled situation in France. They sent agent Amleto Vespa to Paris to see what the issue was. What they learned, was a potential threat to the existing French government. This was all caused by the Italians kicking the French around in the Alps. Amleto Vespa reported his findings to NIS headquarters, the rotten den of the city of Florence, crawling with NIS operatives. All they reported back was “stir up so chaos will you? I know some Syndicalists in Paris who would like to meet your acquaintance.” Now this was going to be a interesting job. Meanwhile, it was reported in Trieste that the Mi5 was present in the city. As the British are unaware, our reach extends to even the steppes of Mongolia. However, instead of the usual greeting (assassination or torture), they decided to go and investigate him. What the NIS discovered from Michael Hargrove was that the British wanted a serious audience with the Italian NIS. The NIS decided to send a telegram to the government about their findings. They said that they should agree to this meeting, saying: “If the Germans can do it, so can we.” The NIS arranged the meeting to be at Lisbon. This meeting would have the Italian NIS, escorted by Italian diplomats, and the Mi5, escorted by various British and French diplomats. An opportunity like this one only rarely presents itself.
In the wild wild east, the situation in Australia provided a unique situation for the NIS to exploit. The existing government of Australia had been in contact with the NIS throughout the war. Many of the major Australian defeats, Somalia and Praslin are two examples, were organized by the NIS and the Australian government to stir up resentment for the British. Now that plan worked, the NIS began sending their operatives to influence the Australian Civil War. In support of the Government, the Italians have sent NIS operatives to drill and train Government forces for the Civil War. In addition, Persian ships would smuggle Italian weapons and supplies to the Government. Over a hundred thousand rifles, thousands of artillery and tanks, and millions of bullets and ammunition would arrive in the first drop off. Considering it was this government who they had supported previously, it was no suprise to anyone that the Italians would continue their support for the Tyrannical Government of Australia.
Dear Admiral Hood:
Your wish has been granted. Your men will be taken care of and treated respectfully. You’ve earned not only my respect, but the respect of my superior. I’m looking forward to meeting you once this is all over.
Signed,
- Paulo Thanon di Revel