(3 of 3)
Meanwhile the British Government warned: "In view of the German threat to bomb Athens and Cairo, His Majesty's Government wish it to be understood that if either of these two cities is molested, they will commence a systematic bombing of Rome. Once it has begun it will continue as convenient till the end of the war. The greatest care will be taken not to bomb the Vatican City." Benito ("War Is the Normal State of the People") Mussolini was again on a spot.
Thus did Adolf Hitler celebrate. At least one of his birthday tributes, a couplet, composed by Britain's wit, A. P. Herbert, was not such good news:
Napoleon died at fifty-two
And, Adolf Hitler, so may you.
* Greek and Yugoslav Orthodox Easter fell one week later than Roman Catholic and Protestant Easter this year.