The Godfather: Internal Betrayal and the FBI's Role in Unfolding Events

In The Godfather, the complex dynamics of the Corleone family and their rivals are intricately woven into the narrative. One critical question often arises: what would have happened if Tattaglia or Barzini had informed their police contacts of Michael Corleone's role in the murders of Sollozzo and McClusky in revenge for being threatened with arrest? Let's delve into this fascinating scenario and explore the potential ramifications.

Immediate Consequences for the Corleone Family

It's likely that Tattaglia and Barzini would have issued these instructions the day after McCluskey's assassination, despite it being a well-known secret who was behind the murders. The murders of Sollozzo and McClusky were clear and impactful, leading to Michael's drastic decision to go into hiding in Sicily. When the peace deal was brokered, a patsy was paid to confess to the crime, paving the way for Michael's return. But what if Tattaglia or Barzini had confessed instead?

Given the scenario, a poor, mob-connected individual might be willing to confess for a better life for his family. History is rife with examples where such individuals were willing to take the fall to protect their families or avoid even worse consequences. For instance, the Mafia often had specialized groups providing fall guys in such situations, as mentioned in the book. This suggests that if either Tattaglia or Barzini had confessed, the patsy's confession would likely have been more credible.

The Fallacy of the Confession

Despite the potential credibility of such a confession, it would not have been foolproof. A poor man with mob connections, despite his circumstances, would still face significant scrutiny. A poor man would be far from a solid alibi. The police would be more likely to suspect corruption within their ranks, especially given the involvement of a corrupt police captain. To call the police and claim they were behind the murders would raise several red flags, leading to serious investigations of their own.

Furthermore, if McClusky had been involved with the Corleone family, it would be easier to implicate Michael as the killer, as McClusky’s corruption could serve as an internal justification for the murders. However, McClusky was acting as a bodyguard to Sollozzo, a known competitor of the Corleone family. This adds another layer of complexity: if both McClusky and Sollozzo were implicated, it would be harder for the police to pin the blame solely on Michael, as internal conflict would suggest a larger conspiracy.

Role of the FBI and NYPD Internal Affairs

Imagine the political fallout if Tattaglia or Barzini had hinted at Michael’s role. The FBI, with its extensive resources and network of informants, would have taken a keen interest in this intelligence. Federal agents would investigate the claims, and if they found merit, pressure would have escalated quickly.

Internal Affairs within the NYPD would also be activated. The involvement of a corrupt police captain would lead to a comprehensive probe into the NYPD's own ethics and practices. Newspapers and media outlets, while often aligned with the Corleone family, could have reported on the corruption, bringing more public scrutiny and pressure.

However, the Corleone family had a strategic advantage. Vito’s contacts with police and judges were known to be highly influential. The family would leverage these connections to ensure Michael was not brought to justice, either locally or federally. The risk of Michael returning to the U.S. with a clean slate, free from prosecution, would keep the families in check, ensuring continued peace and stability. The tapes and special tape mentioned by Clemenza would provide a further layer of protection, making it difficult to pin Michael as the killer.

Conclusion

In conclusion, if Tattaglia or Barzini had confessed to the murders, the situation would have escalated significantly. The admitted corruption of McClusky and the involvement of a corrupt police captain would have raised too many questions and pressures to fall apart easily. The FBI and NYPD's Internal Affairs would have launched thorough investigations, while the Corleone family’s network would have worked to ensure Michael avoided prosecution. The interplay between local and federal authorities, along with the family’s strategic moves, would have been crucial in shaping the outcome of such a scenario.

For further exploration of the dynamics between the Corleone family and their rivals, and the intricate web of power and corruption that defines The Godfather, consider delving into Covert Exacta by Michael A. Feeney, Godfather: A Novel by Russell Rafferty, and The Real Godfather by Ralph Salerno.