He found himself entranced by the cardinal’s vivid depiction of this potential future. The idea of being Germany’s Führer, guided by Pacelli, was intoxicating. He saw his future self, a figure of awe and respect showcasing the monumental museum in Linz to leaders from around the globe. His would be the envy of the world.
Pacelli’s voice broke through Hitler’s reverie. “But in exchange for this vast collection of artwork, there will be a price to pay.”
“You never mentioned any cost, Your Excellency.” Hitler’s voice wavered, the fear of his dream being too expensive creeping into his mind.
“Consider it an extension of your tithes and offerings, my friend. I propose that the gold you extract from the Jews be discreetly funneled to the Vatican on a regular basis.” Hitler was oblivious to the fact this was one of the Council’s core aims, to bolster the Vatican’s financial stability.
“What is this you speak of? What gold am I to extract from the Jews?” Hitler asked, confusion etched on his face.
“When you seize their artwork for your Führermuseum, you will also seize their gold.” Pacelli’s voice was steady and direct. “You will then transport this gold covertly to the Vatican.” He extended his hand towards the meticulously rolled map resting at the corner of his imposing desk.
“The Jews’ gold in exchange for my Führermuseum?” Hitler echoed, trying to comprehend the magnitude of the deal.
“And your ascension as Führer,” Pacelli added, unfurling the strategic battle map that had been meticulously crafted by the Council.
“The ‘cost’ is the gold I seize from the Jews. That’s it?” Hitler questioned, his voice dropping to an unusual hush as he grappled with the bewildering intricacies of the deal.
“Yes. Allow me to show you how this will work,” Pacelli said, placing paperweights on the corners of the expansive map.
Hitler moved to Pacelli’s side of the desk, his eyes scanning the intricately detailed map of the railway routes running from Eastern Europe to the Vatican. The plans outlined how he was to transport the confiscated Jewish gold to Rome.
Pacelli watched Hitler with a satisfied smile, confident that the Council’s mission to fortify the Vatican’s financial reserves was on the brink of fruition.
Chapter 29
18 July 1925
Munich, Bavaria, Germany
Mein Kampf Volume 1 is published. 9,473 copies sold.
Chapter 30
2 February 1926
The Art of War
#4 Moral Influence
That which causes the people to be in harmony with their leaders, so that they will accompany them in life and unto death without fear of mortal peril.
The Council is still deciding between Hitler and Mussolini.
Italy’s population is below forty million. Not enough to engage in full-scale war. The German population of sixty-two million, on the other hand, is sufficient.
Brother, we shall see whose leader will be victorious.
Cardinal Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 31
21 January 1926
Rome, Italy
“Prime Minister, it’s good to see you,” Francesco Pacelli greeted Benito Mussolini, ushering him into his office with a warm, welcoming smile.
Mussolini strode across the polished floor to firmly grasp Francesco’s outstretched hand. “Thank you. I came as soon as I received your summons, counselor.”
“I’ve been speaking with my directors, and they have informed me we have a small issue.”
Mussolini, sensing the gravity of the situation, took a seat. The prime minister’s eyes locked onto Francesco’s, ready to grapple with the impending complication.
“It appears our beloved Italy lacks the numerical strength to pose a significant threat on the global stage.”
“What are you implying, counselor?”
“The population of Italy currently hovers around forty million. To expand our influence, Italy will need to seize control of neighboring territories, which will in turn require a formidable military. To wage a significant war, Italy would need a population of at least sixty million to be powerful enough to annex the neighboring lands.”
“And how do you suggest we increase our numbers?” Mussolini asked, leaning forward in anticipation of the counselor’s great wisdom.
“You, Prime Minister, have the power to enact natalist policies designed to stimulate a population boom. You must increase the birthrate in Italy.”
Mussolini’s attention was riveted on Francesco as he meticulously outlined the decree, a directive handed down from the Council that would shape Italy’s future. Presently, Mussolini’s popularity among the masses was soaring, thanks to his numerous public policies that had significantly improved civilian life. The once chaotic and unreliable railway system was now a model of punctuality, with trains arriving and departing with clockwork precision. This newfound order and consistency in transportation had fast become a vital aspect of the citizens’ daily lives, helping win over the hearts of the Italian people. Mussolini had been hailed as a hero, his title “Il Duce” reverberating across the length and breadth of the peninsula. The populace was ready to follow their prime minister’s lead, no matter the ask.
“You are to issue a decree promoting family growth. Tax exemptions will be granted to large families, while bachelors will face tax penalties,” Francesco instructed.
Selling such a policy to the House of Commons would be a monumental task for Mussolini. Yet, to ascend to the status of a global superpower, it was crucial for Italy to increase its population to a staggering sixty million people. A 50 percent population increase was a lofty goal, but Mussolini was prepared to impose this ambitious target on his people.
“I will mobilize my team to implement this immediately, counselor,” Mussolini affirmed, his voice resolute. “Consider it done.”
Chapter 32
16 February 1929
The Art of War
#5 The Moral Law causes the people to
be in complete accord with their ruler,
so that they follow him regardless of their lives,
undismayed by any danger.
The Black Nobility successfully orchestrated and executed the Lateran Treaty between the Kingdom of Italy and Vatican City.
