The Italian ultimatum was presented at Constantinople on Thursday. In
it the Italian Government drew attention to their economic grievances in Tripoli and then made the admis- sion that Turkey had recently offered redress. The ultimatum then proceeds :—" But the Royal Government does not now feel itself in a position to enter upon such negotiations, the uselessness of which is demonstrated by past experience, and which, far from constituting a guarantee for the future, could but afford a permanent cause of friction and conflict." It is next declared that Italian subjects in Tripoli are in danger, and that Italy has decided to act at once.
" The Italian Government, finding itself forced to think of the guardianship of its dignity and its interests, has decided to pro- ceed to the military occupation of Tripoli said Cyrenaica. This solution is the only one Italy can decide upon, and the Royal Government expects that the Imperial Government will in con- sequence give orders so that it may meet with no opposition from the present Ottoman representatives, and that the measures which will be the necessary consequence may be effected without diffi- culty. Subsequent agreements would be made between the two Governments to settle the definite situation arising therefrom. The Royal Ambassador in Constantinople has orders to ask for a peremptory reply on this matter from the Ottoman Government within twenty-four hours."
