Rome, May 30, 1940
Führer,
I thank you once more for the message which you sent me. I found the information concerning the courage of the soldiers of the different armies particularly interesting.
In the meantime I have received news of the capitulation of Belgium and I congratulate you on this.
I have delayed my reply to you for some days because I wanted to announce to you my decision to enter the war as of June 5th. If you think that I ought to wait a few days longer for the sake of better coordination with your plans, then please let me know; the Italian people are however impatiently waiting to stand at the side of the German people in the struggle against common enemies.
During these nine months the efforts made in the field of military preparations have been considerable. Today there are 70 divisions whose efficiency is good; of these, 12 are overseas (220,000 men in Libya, 100,000 in Albania). Italian East Africa has 350,000 men available—Italians and natives—who are not included in the figures given.
As I have told you earlier, the Navy and Air Force are already on a wartime footing.
I shall assume supreme command of all the armed forces. If I had the means I could form another 70 divisions, for there is no lack of manpower.
From the political point of view I consider it necessary not to extend the conflict to the Danube Basin and the Balkans, from which Italy too must draw those supplies which she will no longer be able to obtain from England.
I think that a statement to that effect, which I shall make at an appropriate moment, will have a reassuring effect on those nations and will render them impervious to any possible moves by the Allies.
Once this is established, our General Staffs will take the requisite steps for the development of the operations.
While awaiting a reply from you, please accept, Führer, the expression of my comradely friendship.
MUSSOLINI
