Italian Chauvinism
If the older standards of diplomacy still prevailed the formal success of Sir Wilfrid Greene's mission to Italy would indicate improved relations between that country and Britain. Sir Wilfrid on his return reported that a satisfactory basis for agreement had been reached, and that British and Italian officials were now working out the details to complete a settle- ment of the problem of contraband control ; Great Britain has shown herself ready to do all that could be done to lessen the inconvenience to Italy of the economic blockade of Germany. But all the time these peaceful talks were going on the Italian Press was fulminating against the Allies, praising the Germans, and assuring the public that Italy must soon enter into the war to satisfy her just aspirations and free the Mediterranean from Allied domination. The Italian armed forces have been fully mobilised, and a Bill has been drafted imposing obligatory service upon all men and women civilians of working age. Rhetorical speeches have been made by prominent persons exhorting infantrymen to await the order to march. Sir Wil- frid's success seems a small matter in comparison with Italy's open preparations for entry into the war. The Balkan States, which regard themselves as likely objects of Italian aggressive- ness, are anxiously watching the reactions of Russia, to whom it is a vital interest that neither Germany nor Italy should dominate the Near East. Turkey and Egypt are ready. There is a powerful Allied Army in the East, and the Mediterranean Fleet is at its war post. Italy would do well to remember that the pressure on the Allies in France has involved no diminu- tion of their strength in the Mediterranean.
