"Indeed, the Kingdom of Italy has no desire to be embroiled in this war; we are a nation that cherishes peace. This is precisely why, despite being a member of the Alliance, we did not fulfill our obligations at the outbreak of hostilities," Antonio Salandra stated.
"A nation that cherishes peace?" Both Sir Edward Grey and Théophile Delcassé scoffed at the remark. It was merely an excuse crafted by the Italians to justify their indecisiveness. The intentions of Italy were, after all, well understood.
"Your Excellency, the British Empire and the French Republic are also nations devoted to peace. We have been compelled to engage in this conflict. Yet, with war upon us, such discussions are futile. Our only course of action is to vanquish the malevolent enemy and strive for a swift conclusion to this war. That is the utmost priority. We sincerely invite the Kingdom of Italy to join our ranks," Sir Edward Grey reiterated.
Antonio Salandra sensed the genuine intentions of the British and French, his previously firm stance beginning to waver, which greatly encouraged Grey and Delcassé.
"However, gentlemen, the Kingdom of Italy is not adequately prepared for war. Our army has yet to mobilize, and we lack the necessary armaments and funds," Salandra continued.
Grey and Delcassé recognized this as Italy's opportunity to negotiate conditions.
"Your Excellency, the French Republic can provide Italy with a batch of equipment sufficient to arm two hundred thousand men," Delcassé offered. Despite France's own shortages, the potential to draw Italy into their fold justified such a concession.
"The British Empire can likewise supply armaments for two hundred thousand troops," Grey added.
Salandra nodded in satisfaction; the support from Britain and France would significantly alleviate Italy's financial burdens.
Funding was not an issue for either Britain or France. Although their governments had begun substantial borrowing due to the war, both nations were still far wealthier than Italy. Grey and Delcassé assured that if Italy agreed to join the Entente, each would provide a one hundred million pound interest-free loan—an impressive sum that greatly pleased Salandra.
Ultimately, Salandra raised the matter of post-war territorial distribution, the issue of greatest concern to Italy. He expressed that Italy sought the Adriatic coastal regions of the Balkans from Austria-Hungary.
On this matter, the British and French displayed a far more generous disposition than their German and Austro-Hungarian counterparts. Naturally, these lands were not theirs to begin with; they relished the opportunity to offer others' territories for their own gain. Both nations readily consented to Italy's demands.
The British and French not only promised the territories of Trieste, Fiume, Istria, and Dalmatia but also considered granting Italy the Dodecanese Islands, primarily inhabited by Greeks. They further agreed that Italy could expand its colonial holdings in Africa and participate in the partition of Turkish territories.
This decision delighted Salandra. If the Entente emerged victorious, Italy stood to gain immense advantages, bringing them closer to their goal of revitalizing the Roman Empire and transforming the Mediterranean into their inner lake.
"Gentlemen, I am well aware of your sincerity. I shall report this to His Majesty the King immediately. By tomorrow at the latest, you shall have our response. I trust His Majesty will not refuse your friendship," Salandra declared with a beaming smile.
Grey and Delcassé were equally elated, surprised by how smoothly the discussions had proceeded. Italy's readiness to join their coalition exceeded their expectations.
Though Italy had raised certain demands, for the eager British and French, these were merely trifles. As long as they could secure victory, the specifics were inconsequential.
After the meeting, Salandra and Paolo Saldini hurried to the palace to inform King Vittorio Emanuele III of the good news. Despite the late hour, the King awaited their report, restless until he received definite word.
"Your Majesty, the British and French are genuinely sincere. Should we align with the Entente, they are willing to provide us with armaments to equip two hundred thousand troops, along with an interest-free loan of one hundred million pounds each. Most importantly, they not only promised us Trieste, Fiume, Istria, and Dalmatia, but also considered granting us the Dodecanese Islands. They even agreed that we could expand our African colonies and partake in the division of Turkish territories," Salandra announced, his face radiant with joy.
"Ha! Splendid news! I can sense the sincerity of Britain and France," King Vittorio Emanuele III laughed heartily, as if he had received a binding promise from the two nations. They seemed to forget the dire consequences Italy might face should they lose the war.
"Your Majesty, shall we agree to the demands of Britain and France and join the Entente?" Paolo Saldini inquired.
"Certainly! Given the sincerity of Britain and France, for the sake of Italy's interests, I have decided to join the Entente in this conflict!" King Vittorio Emanuele III made his final decision.