Secretary of State,
Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli
23 March 1933
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.
Hitler successfully maneuvered the Enabling Act through Parliament. He and his Reich government can now issue laws without Parliament’s approval. These laws cannot be cancelled even by a vote in the Reichstag. This Act shall serve as the foundation to carry out the complete Nazification of Germany, a testament to the absolute power wielded by Adolf Hitler.
Secretary of State,
Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli
24 March 1933
The Art of War
#21 When he concentrates, prepare against him;
where he is strong, avoid him.
SS Protection Squads have built the first concentration camp in Dachau, Germany. This is the first of many such camps to come that will incarcerate Hitler’s political opponents.
Secretary of State,
Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli
4 April 1933
The Art of War
#17 All War is based on deception.
Hitler began his anti-Jewish campaign, boycotting all Jewish owned businesses.
Secretary of State,
Archbishop Eugenio Pacelli
Chapter 35
21 July 1934
The Vatican
Rome, Italy
“Brother,” Eugenio Pacelli’s voice echoed ominously, welcoming Francesco into his austere office.
“It’s good to see you, brother.” Francesco planted a kiss on each of Eugenio’s cheeks in a familial gesture of affection.
“Please, make yourself comfortable,” Eugenio said, nodding towards a chair, his voice laced with an undercurrent of urgency. “I met with the Council yesterday. They are quite satisfied with Hitler’s rise to power.”
“So I’ve heard, brother. What’s their next move regarding Hitler?” Francesco’s eyes reflected a keen interest.
“He occupies the second highest position of power in Germany. The Council needs him to ascend to the highest rank so he can initiate the next phase of their grand scheme.”
“What about my candidate?” Francesco’s voice held a note of concern.
“The Council has yet to finalize their choice for the ultimate leader, brother. They are strategically positioning both candidates, keeping all options open.”
“Do you think they might consider merging the two into a single figurehead?” Francesco hinted. He was strategically maneuvering Mussolini, preparing him to propose the Four Power Pact between Italy and Britain, France, and Germany. Francesco felt that gaining France as a strategic partner would be especially beneficial, thereby elevating Mussolini’s standing with the Council.
“I’m not sure. Their immediate concern was Hitler’s current number two position,” Eugenio said in a grave voice. “President von Hindenburg is proving to be a great hindrance to Hitler’s mission.”
“What does the Council want me to do?” Francesco’s own voice was steady, revealing no trace of emotion.
“President von Hindenburg needs to be removed from the equation. They want you to arrange for his assassination.”
“Oh. Is that all?” Francesco’s voice was laced with derision.
“I know it’s a minor task, brother, but until I ascend to the papacy, I am at your mercy.”
“It shall be done, brother.” Francesco rose from his chair, his arms encircling his brother in a firm embrace, a silent promise of loyalty.
“You know I always strive to emulate you,” Eugenio breathed.
Francesco’s smile was a tacit acknowledgment of his younger brother’s compliment.
“Grandfather always held you in high regard, Franco.”
“He thought the world of you too, brother.”
A moment of silence ensued, a testament to their unbreakable bond and mutual respect. Their brotherhood was paramount, superseding any mission from the Black Nobility. Yet together, they were unstoppable—they held the world’s fate in the palm of their hand.
Chapter 36
2 August 1934
The Art of War
#26 Attack where he is unprepared.
