Background Armistice of Cassibile

following surrender of axis powers in north africa on 13 may 1943, allies bombed rome first on 16 may, invaded sicily on 10 july , preparing land on italian mainland.

in spring of 1943, preoccupied disastrous situation of italian military in war, italian dictator benito mussolini removed several figures government whom considered more loyal king victor emmanuel fascist regime. these moves mussolini described hostile acts king, had been growing increasingly critical of war.

to carry out plan, king asked assistance of dino grandi. grandi 1 of leading members of fascist hierarchy and, in younger years, had been considered sole credible alternative mussolini leader of fascist party. king motivated suspicion grandi s ideas fascism might changed abruptly. various ambassadors, including pietro badoglio himself, proposed him vague possibility of succeeding mussolini dictator.

the secret frondeur later involved giuseppe bottai, high member of fascist directorate , minister of culture, , galeazzo ciano, second powerful man in fascist party , mussolini s son-in-law. conspirators devised order of day next reunion of grand council of fascism (gran consiglio del fascismo) contained proposal restore direct control of politics king. following council, held on 23 july 1943, order of day adopted majority vote, mussolini summoned meet king , dismissed prime minister. upon leaving meeting, mussolini arrested carabinieri , spirited off island of ponza. badoglio took position of prime minister. went against had been promised grandi, had been told general of greater personal , professional qualities (enrico caviglia) have taken place of mussolini.

the appointment of badoglio apparently did not change position of italy germany s ally in war. however, many channels being probed seek peace treaty allies. meanwhile, hitler sent several divisions south of alps, officially defend italy allied landings in reality control country.

towards signing

general giuseppe castellano

three italian generals (including giuseppe castellano) separately sent lisbon in order contact allied diplomats. however, start out proceedings allied diplomats had solve problem concerning authoritative envoy: 3 generals had in fact started quarrel question of enjoyed highest authority. in end, castellano admitted speak allied diplomats in order set conditions surrender of italy. among representatives of allies, there british ambassador portugal, sir ronald hugh campbell, , 2 generals sent dwight d. eisenhower, american walter bedell smith (eisenhower s chief of staff) , british kenneth strong (assistant chief of staff intelligence).

on 27 august castellano returned italy and, 3 days later, briefed badoglio allied request meeting held in sicily, had been suggested british ambassador vatican.

to ease communication between allies , italian government, captured british soe agent, dick mallaby, released verona prison , secretly moved quirinale. vital germans remained ignorant of suggestion of italian surrender , soe seen secure method in circumstances.