Page:The guilt of William Hohenzollern.djvu/157

Rh cannot consider herself bound as regards any further consequences of this step.

"Besides" (he said) "Article 7 of the Triple Alliance Treaty (which I have not at hand here) demands that in alterations in the Balkans the contracting parties should previously come to an arrangement, and that if one of the contracting parties brings about territorial changes, the other should be compensated.

"To my remark that, so far as I knew, Austria had declared she did not seek territorial acquisitions, the Minister said that a declaration to this effect had only been given with considerable limitations. Austria had rather declared she did not at present seek territorial acquisitions, making a reservation regarding any other decisions which might later become necessary. The Minister thought that he would therefore not be blamed if he took precautionary measures in good time

"The text of the Austrian Note was composed in such exceedingly aggressive and tactless language that the whole of public opinion in Europe, and with it Italy [She wanted to go quietly hunting in Albania, and this has irritated Austria.—W.] would be against Austria. No Italian Government could fight against this. [Bosh !—W.]

"My impression is that the only possibility of retaining Italy is promptly to promise her compensation [The little thief must always be grabbing something.—W.] if Austria is planning territorial acquisitions or the occupation of Lovcen."

Jagow remarks on this telegram that the Italian Ambassador in Berlin, Bollati, had demanded compensation,