Evening star., 1914-12-13

situation in Lydia and Erythrea. Tri-
poll tribesmen have already been stir
proposes to attack and block the Suez
canal and make trouble for Italy in the
Red sea.
Italy has vainly hoped that resting
upon an armed neutrality she might
be left alone to develop her two poll
and the equilibrium in the Mediter-
ranean. Had Turkey kept out of the
present war, Italy might have gone
her pacific way. but Turkeys interven-
and more. the Balkan powers, Roumania.
Greece and Bulgaria, are sure to fol-
low
The Italian parliament, that met the
Sd instant, has set the ball rolling.
Premier Salandra ex-
Meeting OF planned the situation
p..I.. of Italy and advised
A"AAA"ASA'' that she maintain IAN
attitude of loyal but watchful and armed
neutrality
The premier stated that the Euro
pean conflict broke out suddenly. with
out involving Italy directly, and in
spite of her efforts to avert the war,
for the sake of peace and civilization.
A study of her treaty obligations con-
vinced the government that Italy was
not called upon to participate. and ac-
cordingly she declared her neutrality.
The political divisions of the conti-
nent of Europe would be perhaps modi-
fed. Italy had vital interests to pro-
tect as great power. and the supreme
task Of the government was to bring
the army and navy to a state of pre-
paredness. since when law ceases to
govern the only safety of a nation is
in force. The solidarity Of all ele-
ments was essential. The government
would not consider solely the policies
of any one party, but the patriotic CO.
operation of all members of parlia-
ment, that it might possess the strength
necessary to accomplish the hard task
before it. The premier's statement was
interrupted frequently with applause.
AS the session was about to adjourn
Deputy Comandini said he wished to
ask the chamber to send greetings to
heroic and unfortunate Belgium" The
whole chamber, including the presi-
dent. the ministers and the people in
the tribunes. arose and shouted "Hur-
rah Belgium
When the chamber reconvened on the
9Th instant Premier Salandra, prior to
the vote of confidence expressed by the
chamber. arose and referred to attacks
by certain deputies on the government.
Some of these urged that the govern
ment's declarations were not explicit:
others that Italy. notwithstanding her
nedEy military expenses, was oDuSed TO
remain neutral owing to military un-
preparedness.
Those who asserted that the Ian
guage used in the statement made on
the Sd instant was
Language Not sphinx1ike We're
Sphinxlike. wrong; on the con-
SP-AA trary. it was abun-
dainty clear and had received the ap-
proval of the great majority which is
not represented by the extreme left. 1t
was not necessary to change what he
had said: THE vote of confidence must
be given on that declaration, and any
explanation was impossible be-
cause against the interests of the
state
Signor Salandra then said: Regard
ing military preparation. I can affirm
that the Italian army and navy are
ready for any event. For this military
preparation both we and our predeces-
sors have assumed grave responsibility
which parliament will be able to judge
later from documents but not now.
To-day, whoever has doubted the fit
ness of our army. whoever has intended
to oppose the vicissitudes traversed for
military preparation sins against the
fatherland.'
Signor Giovanni Giolitti, former pre-
mier, expressed approval of Premier
Salandras policy. Italy had always
been loyal to treaties, and he added in
explanation:
"I recall a precedent showing how
correct was the Interpretation of the
alliance by the government when the
conflict began. During the Balkan
war, August 8, 1913, being absent from
Rome. 1 received the following telegram
from the late Marchese di San Giuliano,
(then minister of foreign affairs in the
cabinet of which Signor Giolitti was
premier):
Austria has communicated to US
and Germany that it has been the in
tention to act against Servia, defining
such action as defensive" and hoping
for an application of a "casus foederis" !
by the triple alliance, which | consider 4
am trying to agree with
Germany concerning efforts to prevent
Austria's action, but 1t may be neces- |
sary to say clearly that we do not con-
slider such eventual action as defensive
and therefore do not think that there
exists a casus foederis. Please send
telegram saying whether you approve
And the premier replied:
"'If Austria goes against Servia a
1t is an action she accomplishes on
her own account. 1t is defensive be-
cause nobody thinks of attacking her.
"It is necessary to declare this to
Austria in the most formal manner.
hoping that Germany will act to dis
suade Austria from a very dangerous
'"This was done and our interpreta-
ton of the treaty was accepted by our
allies, our friendly relations not being
in the least disturbed. Thus the dec
laration of neutrality made at the be-
ginning of this conflict is according to
the spirit and letter of the treaties. I
recall this incident wishing to demon |
sfrate the cOmDlete LOYALTY of Italy be- |
fore the eyes of Europe
Sfgnor Giolitti was given great ap- |
plause. He urged the maintenance of
neutrality until the necessity should arise |
% protect Italys rights. Until then |
here should be a loyal observance of |
which alone could give COM /
,lete liberty of judgment and action /