New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-28
Italian Balkan Operations
Made War, Inevitable

Italy and Germany have been drifting
steadily toward war. In fact. Italy's
formal declaration amounts to little
more than Official recognition of a
state of affairs which already existed
The declaration became inevitable
when Italy recently sent troops to Sa-
lonica TO cooperate in the campaign
Of the entente allies on the Mace
donian front, inasmuch as Germany is
directing the opposing forces and has
troops on this battle line.
1talys position in regard to Germany
had been an anomalous one after Italy
withdrew from the triple alliance on
May % of last year and declared war
on Austria. Although by this act she
srrayed herself on the side of the
entente powers and against her former
allies, Germany and Austria, she re-
msined officially at peace with Germany
until yesterday.
German Efforts in Italy.
Before Italy took this step Germany
exerted every effort to induce her TO
remain neutral, sending 10 Rome as
ambassador Prince Won Bulow, former
statesmen of Germany. The prince
succeeded for some time in averting
war between Austria and Italy, and
when he saw that a rupture was in
evitable he took steps toward preser-
walton Of an official peace between Ger
many and Italy. On behalf of his gov
eminent he negotiated with Italy spe-
eial agreement under which, IN case OF
war between Austria and Italy, Ger
many and Italy pledged themselves TO
respect the properties and lives OF
their respective subjects in each
others domains This meant for Ger
many a guarantee of many millions OF
dollars worth of properties in Italy
and for Italy the safety of 10000 ltal-
ian subjects who were still living IN
Germany.
War Only Matter Of Time.
According 10 unofficial reports from
Europe. ltaly's allies were dissatisfied
with this state of affairs, and at the
Paris council of Entente powers in Feb
ruary last asked the Italian represent
stives why their nation was not at war
with Germany. Italy had already agreed
not to conclude a separate peace, and,
as result of the Paris conference,
sanctioned the plan for formation of a
permanent high council of the En-
tente powers for future conduct OF the
war
The increasing cooperation among
the Entente Allies, and the necessity
Tor bringing into service ltaly's sur
plus Of troops, which could not be en-
ployed on the other fronts without
bringing on war with Germany, gradu-
ally brought Italy into such position
mat Il became evident a declaration
oi hostiities against Germany was
only matter of time.
Italy Seizes German Ships.
The first overt act in this direction
occurred shortly after the Paris confer
tenee, probably as a result OF II. On
FEBRUARY 29 Italy requisitioned thirty
iour Of the thirty-seven German steam
ships interned in Italian ports TO help
meet the pressing needs OF the Allies
'oI shipping facilities.
Other indications of approaching war
nave been observed in recent weeks. A
herman court ruled that Italy and Ger
many were actually, though not for
mally, az war. IL was reported unof-
heially that Germany had taken charge
OF the defence of Trieste. A more
Definite indication was the severance
last month of the last tie between the
nations. The commercial agreement
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