Student did not answer directly. Instead, looking at Canaris and von Wachtstein, he said, “Forgive me, gentlemen, if I’m telling you something you probably know as well as I do.
“The Carabinieri Reali—Royal Carabinieri—has been around since 1814,” Student began, as if lecturing a class at the Kriegsschule. “The term ‘Carabinieri’ refers to the unit being armed with shortened, bayonetless rifles, carbines. These were—and remain—special troops not intended to march in formation across the battlefield toward the enemy. Forerunners, one might say, of latter-day special troops, such as the Waffen-SS and, of course, the Fallschirmjäger.
“They began to acquire their legendary reputation as warriors right from the beginning, when, the year after they were formed, they engaged and soundly defeated Napoleon’s best at Grenoble in 1815. Subsequently they served—with equal distinction—in the Crimean War and performed admirably in the wars of Italian Independence, Eritrea, and Libya.
“In this war, the Carabinieri have fought with valor in Greece and East Africa under impossible odds.”
General von Wachtstein nodded his agreement. Von Deitzberg saw this and his lips tightened even more.
Canaris thought: Student is certainly aware that it’s unwise to challenge Himmler’s right-hand man.
But he’s also aware that rescuing Il Duce is his last chance. And that Himmler wants this rescue operation for the SS. And he can’t let that happen.
So—with the old principle that the best defense is a good offense—he’s going to take on von Deitzberg.
Good for him.
“So, von Deitzberg,” Student went on, “while I am second to no one in my admiration for the SS, I submit that your Special Unit Friedenthal—it is approximately of company strength, as I understand it?”
“A reenforced company, Herr General. A little over three hundred men—”
“All of whom, I am sure, are a credit to the SS and Germany. I doubt, however, that even such a splendid body of men can take on a battalion—six or seven hundred strong—of the Carabinieri who have been personally charged by their king with guarding Il Duce.”
Von Deitzberg glared at him. His face showed that he was preparing a sarcastic, perhaps caustic, reply.
He ran out of time.
“Then, may I tell the Führer, Admiral Canaris,” General von Wachtstein asked, surprising Canaris, who hadn’t expected him to open his mouth, “that you and General Student are agreed that the attempt to liberate Mussolini should take place after he is moved to the Campo Imperatore Hotel rather than on the Isle of Ponza, or when he is being moved from one to the other?”
That wasn’t a question.
Von Wachtstein was telling von Deitzberg that he agreed with Student.
“Yes,” Canaris said.
“Concur,” Student said.
That makes three of us who have crossed von Deitzberg. Not only Student and me, but also von Wachtstein, for asking the question.
Why did he do that?
One general supporting another against the SS?
Or maybe to show von Deitzberg that there are only three senior players in this little game, and von Deitzberg is not one of them?
Well, he had his reasons and he’s no fool.
And that means he knew I wouldn’t support von Deitzberg.
“Can we now get to the details of the operation itself?” von Wachtstein asked. “I hate to rush any of you, but the Führer is waiting to hear what you have decided.”
Well, that I understand: He’s making the point to von Deitzberg that he represents the Führer.
Von Deitzberg said: “I believe Hauptsturmführer Skorzeny has a very good plan—”
“I’m sure he does,” Student interrupted him.
“If I have to say this,” von Deitzberg said, “Reichsführer-SS Himmler feels the SS Special Unit Friedenthal should play a significant role in this operation.”