German plans for the region Operational Zone of the Adriatic Littoral
the austrian littoral, gorizia , istria in pink , carniola in yellow
the ethnic , political re-definition of adriatic littoral considered during war on theoretical level. in telegram sent on 9 september 1943 foreign minister ribbentrop, gauleiter rainer suggests future establishment of reich protectorates in gorizia, istria , carniola, based on subdivisions of austrian-hungarian empire. initial german occupation policy, however, favored incorporating area reichsgau of carinthia. ethnic complexity of region used minimize italian influence, promote ethnic segmentation, , introduce germandom stabilizing force. strategy based on understanding of history of medieval germany , habsburg monarchy, german lords , nobles seen have made economic , administrative development of region possible.
the future of province of udine (central , western friuli, today provinces of udine , pordenone) uncertain, evident strategy similar other areas of operational zone pursued. in mentioned telegram, rainer emphasizes friuli region not ethnically italian, composed of speakers of friulian and, small extent german , slovene. german scholars presented supposed evidence profound influence german culture , language have had on friulians, including loan words , medieval place-names. historical evidence found region of friuli being march land in carolingian , german empires, role german feudal lords played in region, , annexation duchy of carinthia in late 10th century. concluded friulians belonged german cultural field, , land ancient part of german empire , has ever since been part of german vital space (lebensraum). these supposedly scholarly findings echoed in german newspapers, although italian-language propaganda spread in province of udine emphasized local population s ethnic distinction , regional autonomy, not pan-germanism.
several factions within nazi government intended extend area of 2 operational zones further detriment of italian territory. joseph goebbels wrote in diary logical border 1 included territories of former habsburg kingdom of lombardy–venetia, expressing hopes hitler s renewed friendship benito mussolini not deter him step:
he managed convince hitler course of action should undertaken, agreed venice should bound reich in sort of loose confederation.
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