28 MARCH 1896, Page 2

A very important debate occurred in the Italian Chamber on

Wednesday. Baron Blanc, Foreign Minister in the Crispi Cabinet, declared that he had made an "alliance" with Great Britain, an "alliance without protocols," which made Italy safe in the Mediterranean. The Duke of Sermoneta, now Foreign Minister, denied that Baron Blanc had made this alliance, which, however, existed, and sprang from the senti- ments and interests of the two Powers. If the English conquered the Soudan Italy would hand over Kassala to them. Marquis Rudini, the Premier, continuing, declared that he had strengthened the alliance with Great Britain, that it had become almost "an affectionate one," and that the "relations were not susceptible of improvement, because they were as excellent as they could possibly be."