The Dominion. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1915. ITALY AT THE CROSS-ROADS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2464, 18 May 1915, Page 4

The Dominion. TUESDAY, MAY 18, 1915. ITALY AT THE CROSS-ROADS

The fact that the King of Italy has rofused to accept Sionor Salandra's resignation of the Premiership may reasonably be regarded as an indication that the policy of intervention is gaining ground. • A recent cablegram stated definitely that Signor Salandra and Baron Sonnino (the Minister for War) had resolved on war, having.como to the decision that only by this course could the honour of Italy be preserved. . Italian statesmen .have to co'nsider the interests as well as the honour of their country, and the pro-war party are firmly of opinion that both.honour and interest point in the direction of activo co-opera-tion with the Entente Powers. SlGnor Giolitti, an ex-Premier, and his friends of the anti-war section have taken up the _ attitude that Italy can gain sufficient from the plight of Austria t-o satisfy her ambitions without joining in the war. It is, suggested that Signor Giolitti's past relations with Germany encourage the belief that his sympathies are with the Germans rather than with the Entente Powers, and that his anti-war attitude is largely pro-German. Whether or not this is the case, he appears to be the chief stumbling-block in the way of those who regard it as in the best interests of to participate in the war on the side of Britain. When Signor Salandra resigned the Piemiership a few days ago on the ground that he had : not sufficient support to warrant him embarking on the policy he thought best, the task of forming a. National Ministry was entrusted to Signor. Marcora. ' The fact that he declined to act, and that Signor Salandra was subsequently invited to remain in office seems to show that active intervention has the approval of a majority of the representatives of the people. It must, however, be borne in mind that SiGNOR Giolitti exercises a very_ powerful _ influence in Italian politics, and if he can conunand the undivided support of those who have hitherto been accustomed to follow his lead, the war I proposals of the Salandra Ministry may fail to secure the sanction of Parliament. On the other hand, we have the definite statement of the T'rtbuna that the Government will remain in power, and if so it must be assumed that it will be ablo to give effect to its war policy. Public opinion in Italy is strongly hostile to Germany, but is largely influenced by the fact that Austria is only prepared to part with a portion of "unredeemed Italy." The Austrian Government still refuses to hand over Trieste. Moreover, the Italians are naturally asking what guarantee they will have that the proposed _ agreement will be faithfully carried out. When the King of Italy questioned Prince von Bulow on this point, he was informed that he would have to trust the "word of Germany." When it is remembered that the neutrality of Belgium was guaranteed by the "word of Germany," it is not surprising that the King wanted something more reliable. "It is too late, in the day," he said, "for such a guarantee to bo acceptable." Jt is inconceivable that a triumphant Austria would consent to part with her territory. She would certainly fuel disinclined to fulfil a- bargain extracted from her in a moment of dire necessity, Italy knows this well enough. _ But the very fact that Austria is prepared to sacrifice valuable territory in order to keep I|aly quiet is an impressive sign tnkt her position is daily growing more uncertain, and Italy has to consider how her interests would be affected by the victory of the Allies." Some people think that if the remaking cif the map is controlled by the Allies, as it almost certainly will be, the Italian parts of Austria would be restored to Italy The bargain with Austria and Germany is merely regarded as a safeguard in case the unexpected might happen. It is, however, generally admitted that the great majority of the Italian nation are impatient of this bargaining spirit. The honour and dignity of the country have to be considered as well as its material interests, and Italv's old friendship for Britain is proving an important factor in shaping public opinion. Should Italy decide to fight, Rumania and Greece would probably follow her example. Tt i s generally understood that Italy and Rumania have already agreed to act in conccrt, and it was recently reported that Italy and Servia' had come to an understanding with reference to certain disputed questions Popular feeling in Greece appears to be in favour of giving active support to the Allies, and the nation is only waiting for the other .Balkan States to make a move. A deal therefore depends on Italy'* choice. She cannot stay at the cross-roads for ever.