In my history readings I had seen so many mentions of, and references made to, the Ciano Diaries that I decided to see if they were available. I have not been disappointed. These diaries begin at the start of 1939 and end at Ciano's dismissal in February 1943, followed by a four-page entry written in prison in December 1943 just weeks before his execution. I've found many interesting tidbits about things largely ignored, or briefly treated, in conventional histories. Italy's nearly-bloodless takeover of Albania in 1939 is one such; her designs on Croatia, which she could not carry out until after Germany steamrolled Yugoslavia, another. Still another is the watchful eye Italy kept on Turkey, with worries about the latter's possible activities in the Balkans. Ciano seems to be simultaneously worshipful of, and skeptical of, his father-in-law Mussolini - and especially skeptical of Mussolini's policies. If there can be such a thing as a "good Fascist", Ciano may come closest to deserving the description. He is scathing in his views of Hitler, Ribbentrop, Nazidom in general, and Russia, while mostly favorably disposed toward Britain and, to a lesser extent, France. I get the impression that if he had been in charge he would not have entered the war on either side unless/until the outcome was beyond all doubt (or unless Italy was attacked). The King views things much the same way as does Ciano.
