Antonio Salandra and Paolo Saldelli stood in stunned silence, utterly unprepared for the harsh words of the German and Austro-Hungarian foreign ministers. Their shock morphed into indignation and trepidation.
"Damn it, what is happening? Are they mad? Do they not fear pushing us into the arms of the Entente?" Salandra's mind raced, realizing that the Central Powers were operating beyond reason, threatening to unravel their careful calculations.
"Your Excellencies, as a member of the Central Powers, Italy has never contemplated betraying our alliance," Salandra quickly asserted.
Admitting to any intent of treachery would not only make them enemies of Germany and Austria-Hungary but would also severely tarnish Italy's already fragile reputation. Although Italy had long lost its standing, any such accusations would only be worthwhile if significant benefits could be secured in return. Otherwise, it would merely result in unwarranted disgrace.
"Then does this imply that Italy intends to fulfill its obligations and declare war against the Entente? That would indeed be most welcome," von Kidlerun-Wahitte responded.
"No, no. Your Excellency, Italy is not prepared at this moment. Entering the war rashly would be extremely detrimental to us," Salandra replied.
"Are you jesting, Prime Minister? War has raged for two months, and Italy is still unprepared? What sense does that make?" Baron Berchtold retorted, clearly displeased that their ally was seemingly shirking its duties while Germany and Austria-Hungary bore the brunt of the conflict.
"This war erupted so unexpectedly that we were caught completely off guard, which accounts for our delay in preparation. Once we are ready, we will promptly join the fight," Saldelli explained.
However, Saldelli's response reeked of insincerity, a realization that von Kidlerun-Wahitte and Berchtold both shared. They were unwilling to indulge such excuses any longer.
"Prime Minister, Your Excellencies, the Empire's patience is not infinite. Italy's recent conduct has exhausted our forbearance. We expect a response within three days. Should Italy fail to reply by then, we will interpret it as an outright refusal and a betrayal of our alliance, resulting in Italy being deemed an enemy of the Empire," von Kidlerun-Wahitte declared.
"The position of Austria-Hungary is the same; you have three days to decide whether to remain our ally or become our adversary," Berchtold added haughtily.
Despite being part of the Central Powers, tensions between Austria-Hungary and Italy were substantial, particularly over territorial ambitions in the Balkans.
Salandra and Saldelli were thoroughly taken aback by this ultimatum, realizing that they were indeed being threatened. They had never anticipated such an aggressive stance from their supposed allies.
"Is this how Germany and Austria-Hungary treat their allies?" Salandra exclaimed, anger evident on his face.
"If Italy truly wishes to be our ally, it must act as one," von Kidlerun-Wahitte replied, his tone laced with hostility.
"Three days is far too short for us to formulate a response," Saldelli attempted to buy time.
"Three days is more than sufficient! If Italy genuinely intends to uphold its commitments, a decision could have been made by now," von Kidlerun-Wahitte insisted.
After a moment of silence, Salandra spoke, "If Italy fulfills its obligations, will our demands for benefits be met?"
"Legitimate claims will be considered," came the reply.
"Italy requires the cession of Trieste, the entirety of Slovenia, and the coastal regions of Croatia along the Adriatic! If Germany and Austria-Hungary agree, Italy will uphold its obligations," Salandra stated, revealing Italy's long-held aspirations for Austro-Hungarian territories.
"That is impossible! Absolutely out of the question!" Berchtold immediately opposed.
Yet, Salandra ignored him, fixated on von Kidlerun-Wahitte, aware that the final decision rested with the Germans.
"Such demands are excessive. Austria-Hungary is also an ally of Germany; we cannot jeopardize our allies' interests. If Italy fulfills its obligations, it will receive its rightful share of benefits after the war's conclusion," von Kidlerun-Wahitte declared.
A flicker of hope crossed Salandra's eyes, recognizing that von Kidlerun-Wahitte's response effectively dismissed Italy's demands. It was clear that should Italy desire those benefits, fulfilling its obligations would be out of the question.