The Ciano Diaries Revealed

THE CIANO DIARIES
1939- 1943

The inside story of the warmakers
Count Galeazzo Ciano
Italian Foreign Minister 1936-1943

In this state of mind, which excludes any falsehood, I declare that not a single word of what I have written in my diaries is false or exaggerated or dictated by selfish resentments. It is all just what I have seen and heard. And if, when making ready to take leave of life, I consider allowing the publications of my hurried notes, it is not because I expect posthumous revaluation or vindication, but because I believe that honest testimonial of the truth in this sad world may still be useful in bringing relief to the innocent and striking at those who are responsible.

-Signed Galeazzo Ciano

DECEMBER 23, 1943, CELL BLOCK 27, OF THE VERONA JAIL.

The diary proves that of a statesman, Ciano saw
the major issue accurately. He was under no illusions as to what a German-dominated Europe would imply for Italy. He was convinced that only through the defeat of Germany could any world order be established in which a sovereign Italy could survive.

The final passage in this diary, that written by Count Ciano in his prison cell in Verona some two weeks before his execution, is the most revealing epitaph that can be written for my cousin.

Respectfully,

Stephen Sindoin Ciano