WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE 1917

248 WAR MEMOIRS OF DAVID LLOYD GEORGE
unsatisfactory discussion. M. Ribot found himself unable to
see anything except the difficulties in the way of doing something
definite. The offer of the Emperor to reinstate Serbia
he found inadequate without definite mention of Cattaro and
Durazzo. Nothing had yet been settled about Roumania.
Moreover, there was the Polish question. As to Italy, it was
impossible to ask her to be content with less than had been
promised her when she came into the War. The Italian peace
offer to the Central Powers doubtless proceeded from the
Giolitti Party and from General Porro, the Deputy Chief
of the Italian General Staff, but he could not believe that
the King and Cadorna were privy to it. Anyhow, they could
do nothing till they had invited the King of Italy to pay a
visit to the French Front, and had a talk with him about the
whole matter.
Prince Sixte said he must now visit England and call on
me, as I had asked him to let me know the result of his interview
and talk it over with him. Sixte noted that "from 31st
March to 22nd April the French Premier's attitude was, in
the words of a privileged spectator of these negotiations, that
of a man who will successively 'hesitate, procrastinate, suspect,
withdraw, and then stand still.' "
When the Prince asked what reply he was to send to the
Emperor, Ribot explained that this could not be settled out
of hand, as it would take some time to arrange the King of
Italy's visit to the French Front, and therefore the matter
was not pressing. There was "plenty of time." Unfortunately,
the Emperor had presented the opportunity to the French:
the initiative was therefore in their hands, and they grasped
the lever with a jealous clutch which resented any other hand.
When I showed some impatience at delays and doubts in
seizing this opportunity to detach Austria and thus bring the
Central Alliance tumbling to the ground, I was accused of
being "apt to be quick in action" or according to Jules
Cambon, "an impetuous Celt."