The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-08-27
BOOM FORU. S. PREDICTED

20, which means that the war between
Austria and Serva was begun without an
understanding with Italy.
THE same method was adopted by
Germany In regard to her demands on
France and Russia. The Italian Govern
ment was Informed only yesterday
august ~ about Q o'clock in the eve-
ming by Ambassador Won Flotow. who
announced that the German Government
had called on Russia to suspend MOBILE
zatlon and on France to say whether in
the event OF war she would take up arms
In defence of Russia. asking Italy at the
same time what attitude she would as
sumo In the event of war, In View OF her
membership In the Triple Alliance.
No warning In this question either,
no understanding. no consultation OF
Italy by Germany! To Italy was given
solely the announcemtnt OF the decision
taken by Berlin. as II Italy was simply
the executrlx Of the will OF others and
counted for nothing in the counsels OF
the allied Powers.
Tho Italian Government could thus
reply only AS II replied. namely, that the
'casus fpderis' does not exist as far as
Italy Is concerned, that Italy has no
contractual obligation to participate in
the war and that her own interests alone
are to be her guide in reaching decision
The terms OF the Triple Alliance have
not been observed In the relations be-
tween Italy. Germany and Austria. That
Is undenlable. our conduct is juridically
perfect and politically loyal
THE Triple Alliance was formed TO
guarantee certain interests of the con-
tracing parties. one of the most vital
interests involved concerns the Balkan
peninsula. At the time OF the Italo-
Turkish war Austria prevented us from
acting with = free hand on the Adriatic
coast OF Turkey and in the [Egean
Austria prevented US from striking. as
Giolitti has said At the ottoman empire
in its vital parts
Austria not alone failed TO give aid
to us m our warlike operations which. II
we had been perfectly free In our move.
ments. would have forced Turkey TO
yield and would have spared us the
sacrifice Of millions OF lire and thousands
OF men while adding TO our prestige, our
authority and our national fortune. but on
the contrary. damaged us by her limita-
lions.
should we to-day act the part played
then by Austria. call halt on Austria
AS she did to us? II would have been
quite In accord with her logic. because to.
day II IL Austria which has attacked "A
Balkan Power: II is Austria which dis.
turbs the status quo in tho Near East; IL
is Austria who is abou, to put into execu.
tion plan which oyerturns not only tho
actual situation In the Balkan peninsula
but the interests concerned In the entire
oriental policy OF Europe and especially
OF Italy.
We have. however. assumed A friendly
attitude and We have limited ourselves TO
calling attention to the terms OF the
alliance, terms which provide that in the
event OF an alteration Of the status quo
In the Balkan peninsula by the work
OF one OF the allies she must give
compensating privileges to the others
Has Austria, perhaps. replied In the
manner which our treaty binds her 10 do
No. We have reason to believe that she
seeks TO give to the treaty an arbitrary
and sophlstlcal Interpretation.
so things stand Now when Ger.
many enters the field IN the manner we
have described and Austria Is ready TO
change the territorial conhgusration or,
what IL much more important. the political
of the Balkans. nobody can
ask Italy to work against her own in.
tercsts take up arms to help Austria, who
Is acting for herself against our interests.
That would be monstrous and absurd.
The alliance-how often have we said it
must have equal value for each of the
three contracting nations. must be re.
spected equally by all three. In It's spirit.
In its content. in It's form. Italy respects
II. the others cannot show that they are
doing likewise"