Burzagli served as technical adviser to the Italian delegation at the 1930 London Naval Conference, placing his naval expertise within interwar diplomacy. He then resigned as chief of staff in protest at plans to retire two battleships, twelve cruisers, twenty-five destroyers, and twelve submarines. As a senator he opposed Italy joining the Axis and entering the Second World War. His refusal to cooperate with the Italian Social Republic in 1944 led to a brief arrest, but the regime released him because of his age, reputation, and the risk that the armed forces would not accept harsher treatment. Burzagli died in September 1944. Professional independence remained a defining part of his leadership.
Notable Point · 6:28-7:54
Resignation over fleet cuts and opposition to Fascist alignment
After advising Italy at the London Naval Conference, Burzagli resigned rather than accept large fleet reductions and later opposed the Axis alliance and entry into the Second World War.