iple
Alliance; but the southern kingdom stoutly maintained that the terms
of the alliance did not call for its active participation. The latter,
at any rate, would have been an absolute impossibility, for public
opinion was too strong against Austria-Hungary to permit ever that
Italian troops should fight side by side with Austrians. In a general
way Italy found itself in a most unfortunate position. Moral
obligations undoubtedly strongly called, at least, for its neutrality
in any war in which both its allies were involved. Political
considerations equally strongly demanded that Italy should avoid
offending the French-English-Russian combination, which could have
ruined Italy in no time by an even superficial blockade. In regard to
Albania its position was equally difficult. Its own interests there
conflicted both with Austrian and Serbian ambitions. The result was
naturally--neutrality and diplomatic shilly-shallying.

One of the most ardent supporters of the Triple Alliance was the
Marquis di San Giuliano, who had been minister of foreign affairs
since 1905. His death in October, 1914, undoubtedly had a great
influence on Italy's further attitude. In October, 1914, Signor
Salandra's cabinet was reconstructed. At that time the prime
minister was still in more or less sympathy with the Giolitti party,
which were in favor of continuing the Triple Alliance, at least to
the extent of maintaining neutrality. The war party, however, gained
rapidly in strength, and finally brought about a reversal of the
country's foreign policy by denouncing the Triple Alliance of
almost half a century's standing. The next step, of course, was
Italy's declaration of war against Austria in May, 1915.

On May 10, 1915, the German and Austrian Consuls were removed from
their respective posts. Events progressed so rapidly that by May 20,
1915, the War Party under the ministership of Salandra was placed in
power.

CHAPTER VII

BELGIUM

The geographical location of Belgium is at once its blessing and its
curse. Its possession of a valuable seacoast, its proximity to the
rich and highly developed countries of Germany, France, and England
have made it, in spite of its comparatively very small extent, one
of the richest countries. Its ships have carried the goods of many
other nations, and its ports have been the gateway of an immense
international commerce. But these very nations which in time of
peace have been the source of much o