On Tuesday in the Italian Senate Count Guiccia.rdini, the Foreign
Minister, in reply to an interpellation on the position of the Triple Alliance, made a declaration on Italy's foreign policy. He began by referring to the Algeciras Conference, where her position had been exceptionally delicate, and her task one of conciliation and mediation. That work having been happily accomplished, her attitude towards foreign affairs remained the same as before,—a loyal adherence to the Triple Alliance, the maintenance of the traditional intimacy with England, and a sincere friendship with France. Italy's main foreign interests, in the Balkans and Africa, were safeguarded by the Triple Alliance and the special agreements which she had made with France and Austria. As for England, when the Alliance was first suggested Italy had declared that in no circumstances would she renounce her ancient friendship with that nation, based not only on political, but on moral grounds. It was her friendship with England which especially made her adherence to the Affiance important. But, Count Guicciardini concluded, being on good terms with one nation need not mean being on bad terms with another, and he welcomed the better understanding which seemed to be growing up between Germany and England. In any case, the traditional relations between Italy and the latter would con- tinue,—" an element of peace among the nations."
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