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io 84
INTRIGUES AT SOFIA [chap.viii.
number of Italian politicians who wished that a
conflagration should break out in the Balkans in order to
assure to Italy a prompt and brilliant victory over
Turkey.
When Lieutenant-Colonel Merrone’s statements on
the subject of the alliance concluded between Bulgaria
and Serbia were received in Rome, the first question
asked must have been as to what Italy could gain from
the new situation. Should she approach Serbia and
Bulgaria, suggest an alliance with them, and with their
help finish the war in a brilliant manner by conquering
part of the coast of Asia Minor? Yes, but would
Germany and Austria countenance such a proceeding by
their ally ? And would the other Powers consent to the
balance of power in the Near East being thus upset in
Italy’s favour? No, this plan, however alluring it might
be at first sight, offered too many pitfalls and dangers.
Would it not be better, on the contrary, to transmit the
valuable information just received to Berlin and to
Vienna ; and by warning the Allies thus of the danger
which threatened them, incite them thereby to energetic
intervention in Constantinople, an intervention which
would force the Porte to grant important concessions
in Italy’s favour, and would put an immediate end to
the war ? But in the first place such a course of
action would not harmonise with the principles of
loyalty ; and then who could guarantee that the Central
Powers would set such a price on the information
furnished by Italy? It is quite possible that, having
warmly thanked the Ally King for the service rendered,
Berlin and Vienna might forge any kind of diplomatic
weapon with the information, without concerning
themselves further with Italy’s interests, and would continue
to concentrate all their efforts on increasing German
influence in Turkey. But then how could one make use
of the information received and of the new political
situation ? In this way: by allowing Bulgaria and
Serbia complete freedom of action, but by taking great
care at the same time not to lavish diplomatic favours on
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