New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-06-06
BRITAIN ASKED
ITALY TO TAKE
DEFINITE STAND
War Supplies That Passed
Through to Germany
Prompted Action.
AUSTRIAN PARLEYS
WERE NOT SERIOUS
Agreement with Allies Was
Reached in April, Says
London Report.
From . Special Correspondent Of Tho Tribune

ft,,r, 4 sr.c,al Correspondent n Tho Tribune J
London. May %. What was the final
impetus which pushed Italy into the
var? The question is being asked
On all sides. So far there is no othcial
answer. nor is there ever likely TO Dc
one. ,-
The Tribune corresp ondent, however
hoe received information from the Con-
tinent that Italy's partlclpauon' so
long DELAYED, came only after the gov
eminent in Rome had been told mat
II had TO make decislon-Join ltaIy 5
erstwhjle allies or make war against
Germany and Austria with the mem
bers Of the Triple Entente.
England is said to be the power mat
finally brought Italy into the CONNECT
IL is declared that England lost pa,
thence because Of the constant ana
enormous flow Of munitions OF war
which reached Germany and austria
through Italy. 1t has been an open
secret here that great quantities OF
supplies Of which Germany has long
been in dire need were obtained
through Italy.
Italy has been getting rich through
dealing in contraband of war; II is one
of the prime feature OF Allied strat-
egy TO cut off from Germany supplies
Of all sorts Serious difficulties with
the United States are now beng rlsHed
TO carry out that policy Yet since the
very beginning of the war the BRUSH
government, as the leader Of the Allies
and controller of the high seas. had
been forced to stand by and see Ger
many get supplies of war through
Italy.
All the while Italy sat in the fence;
Her neutrality was highly przed. ana
the Allies considered themselves lucky
not to have Italy on the other side
from the outset. But when 1t became
known that Italy could not join Aus
tria and Germany, because If she did
she would face a revolution. the Allies
voiced their protest against the arms
shipments from neutral countries. not
ably the United States. to the Central
European powers, by way Of Italy.
The government at Rome fastened
TO prevent traffic in contraband, but
has not succeeded. The Allies had
only TO look at conditions at the port
of Genoa, for instance, where contra
band of war was piled so high on the
docks, most of il destined for Ger
many, lNhl bUe uOChtLS ntlC AAANhNH
behind in their work.
Finally Great Britain, speaking for
the Allies, approached Italy. 1t was
pointed out 20 the government in Rome,
according to The Tribune's informa-
ton, that while Italy's attitude was
technically one of neutrality the con-
tinued dealing in contraband was so
helpful to the enemy that Italy was
placed in the position of a sort OF col
lusive ally to Germany and Austria.
The Triple Entente asked Italy TO de-
fine her position, TO come into the war
on one side or the other. Italy negoti-
ated with Austria, but II is considered
doubtful If these negotiations were
ever really very serious. and finally
Italy, after denouncing the Triple Al
lance, joined the allies of the Triple
Entente
II IS stated that England took action
early in April. From another source
The Tribune has learned that about
April 20 a treaty was concluded be-
tween Italy and the Entente providing
for Italian participation on certain
terms, the most notable OF which were
agreements by the Allies TO give Italy
certain territory and TO advance the
sum Of f70,000,0 00-half from France
and half from England-in return for
which Italy was TO put in the field l.
1000 fully equipped soldiers.
Italy is now in the war. There Is
speculation on ell sides as to the re-
suit. 1t is sure to draw considerable
numbers of men from the German and
Austrian armies, and it is hoped that
that will weaken the Germsn-Austrian
lines.
In Paris there have been enthusi-
astic demonstrations over the partici-
patton of Italy. Here there have been
none of note. A demonstration is being
organized for next Thursday by a COM
mittee appointed for the purpose, and
it may prove a big thing. but as for
spontaneous outbursts of enthusiasm
over Italy's move, there have been none