Mare Nostrum Signor Ansaldo's article, printed first in the German
magazine, Europaische Revue, saying it is an axiom that Italy must dominate in the Mediterranean or cease to count as a Power, has not been very warmly received in the Balkans. He defines the area in which Italy is specially in- terested as consisting of Yugoslavia, Albania, Greece, parts of Hungary and Bulgaria, and European Turkey. He generously suggests that Italy does not hope to annex these countries, but that this region must not be penetrated by extra-Mediterranean Powers—that the Yugoslav army, for example, must not become a pawn of the French General Staff, and that Greek ports should not be put at the dis- posal of the British Fleet. The mention of Albania is scarcely re-assuring. Nor is it acceptable to smaller Medi- terranean Powers that any greater Power should endeavour to dominate this vast inland water-way. Their independence presupposes the right to trade with any country they wish, or to offer hospitality, if they are so disposed, to friendly foreign warships. Britain and France have vital interests in communications through the Mediterranean; and though it is true Italy is still more dependent on it, she is not more so than is Greece. She is merely bigger.
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