The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-12-07
Unpreparedness Not Reason
for Failure to Side With
the Triple Entente
ARMY AND NAVY
READY FOR ACTION
Ppremier Salandra Addresses Cham
Der, Defending Governments At
titude on Present War-Must
Protect Interests in
Any Event

Rome, December 5.-(Delay ed )-"Today
army whoever has intended to expose
the vicissitudes traversed for military
preparation, sins against the Father
land"
Such was Premier SalanGras declara-
ton in the Italian chamber today prior
TO the passage of a resolution express
ing confidence in the government. This
statement was ina speech delivered tn
answer to deputies attacks ON the gov
ernment
At the opening of Parliament the premiei
explained the situation Of Italy and ad-
vised that she maintain an attitude of
loyal but watchful and armed neutral-
ity, He also alluded to what he termed
the just aspirations of ITALY. To-day
those who spoke in the chamber, espe-l
cially members of the extreme left, tried
to construe this statement according to
their own views. Some urged more ex-
plicit declarations while others attacked
the cabinet, asserting that Italy, notwith-
standing her heavy military expenses,
was obliged to remain neutral owing 10
military unpreparedness.
Premier Salandra expressed regret at the
unmeasured language and declared those
who asserted that Thursdays statement
was sphynx-lixe were wrong and that,
on the other hand. IL was clear Indeed.
he continued, 1t has received the approval
of most of the people, who are not repre-
sented by the extreme left and added:
Italy Is Prepared
What ] said was understood by all
and need have no word added. The vote
must be given on my declarations, hut
| further explanation is impossible because
| 1t is against the interests of The state.
| Regarding military preparation. can af-
| firm that the Italian army and navy are
| eady for any event. For this military
preparation both we and our predecessors
| have assumed grave responsibilities
| which Parliament will be able to judge
later from documents, but lot now To-
| day, whoever has doubted the fitneas o.
our army, whoever has intended to eS
pose the vicissitudes traversed for mill
tary preparations, sins against the Father
/ land.
| The premier declared the action of some
| of the orators "in trying to diminish
| the Importance of our country. Is unpa-
| triotic' lie continues
| "The country agrees with the govern
| ment that 1t will have It's interests pro-
| tected | can repeat firmly that we-are
| determined to protect them. Further /
cannot say The cabinet knows and feels
| the terrible responsibility, but reeds full
liberty of action, approved by the cham
her without which no government can
rule the country in this moment
Interrupted by Applause
| Tie premier's speech was constantly in
terrupted by applause.
Giovanni Giolitti former premier, ap-
proved the governments policy. lie said
lie thought II necessary to emphasize that
Italy always had been loyal 10 ;icaties
ard in this connection added:
Il feel it my duty to recall a prece-
dent showing how correct the inter-
probation of the alliance by the govern
ment when the conflict began During the
Balkan war, on August ., 1918, being alb
sent from Rome, | received this tele-
gram from the late Marquis Di San
Guiliano.
Il 1.-THE late Marquis hi San Guiiano al
the time referred to was minister OF for
egn affairs In the cabinet of which Sig
nor Giolttei was premier
Austria has communicated to us and
Germany that II has been the intention
to act against Servia, defining such ac-
ton as defensive. and hoping for an ap-
plication of casus foederis by the triple
!
am trying to agree with Germany con-
cerning efforts to prevent Austrian ac-
tion, but II may be necessary to say clear
} ly that we do not consider such eventual
action as defensive. and therefore do not
think there exists a casus foederis Please
send telegram saying whether you ap-
prove
Il answered Marquis Di San Guiliano
thus:
:" IF Austria goes against Servia a
ca sus fcederis evidently does not exist
1t is an action she aceomplishes in her
I. own account. 1t is defensive because no.
body thinks of attacking her. II is neces-
sary to declare this to Austria in the
most formal manner. hoping that Ger
many will act to dissuade Austria from
q very dangerous adventure
This was done. and our Interpretation
CONTINUED ON Page TwO)