Unity Mitford's Diaries Reveal Tensions with Nazi Leaders Over Mussolini Views

Recently uncovered diaries of Unity Mitford, known for her association with Adolf Hitler, recount a tense lunch meeting with Hitler and several high-ranking Nazi officials. In entries dated September 1936, Mitford describes a confrontational atmosphere where Joseph Goebbels and others criticized her for expressing dislike for Italian leader Benito Mussolini. The meeting took place at the Osteria Bavaria in Munich shortly before Mussolini's visit to Germany.

Mitford recounted feeling bullied by the officials during the discussion but noted that Hitler was supportive, referring to him as "sweet." The diaries further reveal that Hitler allegedly used her as a means to project a facade of skepticism about Mussolini to the British public. Other diary entries expose her admiration for Hitler, including gifts he gave her, such as signed gold swastika badges, and her casual remarks about a visit to the Dachau concentration camp, which she described as “merely an interesting excursion.”

Mitford's diaries were verified for authenticity in light of past forgery incidents involving diaries related to Hitler. Unity Mitford later attempted suicide in 1940, struggling with the consequences of her pro-Nazi beliefs and the outbreak of war between Britain and Germany. She ultimately died in 1948.