Fascist statesman Dino Grandi

dino grandi (left) english foreign secretary john simon in 1932

after march on rome on 28 october 1922, in fascists took power in italy, grandi became part of new government; first undersecretary of interior (1923), italian minister of foreign affairs (1929) , italy s ambassador united kingdom (1932 1939). grandi ally radical , violent groups of fascists, surrounding himself members of blackshirts. used power base voice criticism of mussolini s attempt reach armistice left-wingers , @ 1 point under suspicion having attempted replace latter skeptical alleged mussolini forerunner gabriele d annunzio.

in 1939, recalled italy after trying attempt pact between country , britain prevent italy entering world war ii. under pressure hitler, mussolini removed him post of ambassador , appointed him minister of justice.

as diplomat, grandi created net of connections rivaled mussolini s son-in-law, galeazzo ciano, , attempted use own gains. thus, persuaded king victor emmanuel iii grant him title in 1937, , managed retain comfortable position until sent mussolini greek front other gerarchi in 1941. mussolini s ambassador london, had affairs of influential noblewomen of time--- including lady alexandra curzon, daughter of viceroy of india, george curzon.