WAR- CHRONICLE

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the Italian people will now decide whether it will reach the fulfilment
of all national aspirations in the widest extent in a peaceful
manner, or whether it will plunge the country into war, and tomorrow
draw the sword against its Allies of yesterday and to-day.
1 will not give up the hope entirely, that the scale of peace will
be heavier than the scale of war.
But whatsoever the decision of Italy will he, we, together with
Austria-Hungary have done all within the bounds of possibility to
support the Alliance, which was firmly rooted among the German
people and brought profit and good to the three Empires. If the
Alliance is torn by one of the three partners, we shall know, together
with the other partners, how to meet the new dangers with
dauntless and confident courage. (Violent and lively applause and
general clapping. The Imperial Chancellor bowed several times and
the applause and clapping continued.)
Italy's Breach of Faith Denounced by the German
Imperial Chancellor.
Berlin, 28th May 1915.
In the Reichstag to-day on the opening of the Session, the
Imperial Chancellor dealt with the entry of Italy into the war.
He said:
Gentlemen, when I addressed you eight days ago, there was
still a gleam of hope that Italy's participation in the war would be
avoided. This hope has not been fulfilled. German feeling can
hardly bring itself to believe in the possibility of such a turn. Italy
has now inscribed in the book of the world's history in letters of
blood, which will never fade, her violation of faith.
I believe Machiavelli once said that a war which is necessary,
is also just. From this sober, practical political standpoint, which
leaves out of account all moral consideration, has this war been
necessary? Is it not indeed directly mad!' (Livery cries: Quite right!)
Nobody threatened Italy, neither Austria-Hungaty, nor Germany.
Whether the Triple Entente was content with blandishments alone,
liistory will show later. Without shedding a drop of blood, or endangering
the life of a single Italian, Italy could have secured the
long list of concessions, which I recently read to the House—territory
in the Tirol and on the Isonzo as far as the Italian speech is
spoken, satisfaction of the national aspirations in Trieste, a free
hand in Albania and the important port of Valona. Why have
Signor Salandra and Signor Sonnino not taken that? Do they perhaps
wish to conquer the German Tirol? Hands off'! (Prolonged
cheers.) Or do they wish to provoke friction with Germany, with
the country, which has always given Italy such assistance in past