Paul Boselli fell silent, contemplating how to respond to the question posed by the German Foreign Minister, von Kiedren-Washit. He knew full well that if Italy were to offend both Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, the Kingdom of Italy would be doomed. The formidable German military could annihilate Italy in the blink of an eye, leaving no chance for a comeback.
The terms proposed by Germany were, for Italy, exceedingly harsh. Yet, compared to those of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, they were slightly more bearable.
"Your Excellency, the conditions set forth by the German Empire are too severe. The Kingdom of Italy cannot endure them. If the German Empire were to lower their demands even a little, Italy might be able to accept," Paul Boselli said.
Washit shook his head. "I regret to inform you, this is the Empire's final stance; there is no room for negotiation."
His tone was firm, and rightly so. The might of the German Empire gave him the authority to make such demands.
After a moment's pause, Boselli replied, "Your Excellency, I must report to my government."
This was, of course, a diplomatic prevarication; even within Italy, it was unlikely that the demands would be rejected.
Washit nodded in satisfaction, saying nothing more. He understood that Italy could not refuse Germany's demands, and that the Empire's interests would be satisfied.
Archduke Karl's expression immediately darkened. The Germans and Italians had negotiated in his presence, completely ignoring him and mocking the Austro-Hungarian Empire. This was an outright affront, a challenge to the Empire. If he could swallow his rage, it would be a miracle.
"Is Italy prepared to accept Germany's terms and reject those of the Austro-Hungarian Empire?" Archduke Karl demanded.
"Your Highness, I never said we would accept the German Empire's terms. Besides, the demands of your nation are simply too excessive," Paul Boselli responded again.
"Hmph! Minister of Foreign Affairs, is the German Empire now prepared to abandon our alliance and make a separate peace with Italy?" Archduke Karl turned his gaze to Washit.
"Your Highness, I have merely conveyed the German Empire's demands. Whether Italy accepts them is their concern. If your terms, which are far too harsh, prevent an agreement with Italy and cause negotiations to deadlock, Germany will not continue to bear this prolonged stalemate with you," Washit said.
The talks ended in a deadlock, with no agreement reached. The harsh terms from the Austro-Hungarian Empire made it impossible for Italy to comply. Though Germany's demands were equally severe, Italy, faced with no other choice, seemed more likely to accept them than those of Austria-Hungary.
Once the negotiations were concluded, Paul Boselli immediately contacted Rome, reporting the demands from both Germany and Austria-Hungary.
The dilemma was now in the hands of King Vittorio Emanuele III and Prime Minister Antonio Salandra. The decision was theirs to make.
"Damn it! The Germans and the Austro-Hungarians are no better than thieves! How dare they impose such cruel demands!" Vittorio Emanuele III exploded after reading the telegram sent by Paul Boselli.
"Indeed, the demands from both Germany and Austria-Hungary are increasingly severe. But we could have expected this from the peace treaty between Germany and France," Antonio Salandra replied.
"Prime Minister, what should we do now? Should we accept their demands?" Vittorio Emanuele III asked, his frustration evident. He regretted deeply that Italy was being treated this way. The Kingdom of Italy should have been among the victors, but due to his own greed, they had chosen the wrong side, leading Italy to face impending disaster.
"Of course, we cannot accept their terms. If Italy agrees to them, it would be no different from surrendering our sovereignty," Antonio Salandra shook his head.
"But if we refuse, they will continue their attacks on Italy. Our military has no hope of resisting them," Vittorio Emanuele III said with a flash of fear in his eyes.
He was utterly disillusioned with the combat capabilities of the Italian military. It was incomprehensible how, after more than forty years, the military's fighting strength had deteriorated so drastically. Italy and Germany had both unified around the same time, but while the German army had grown increasingly formidable, Italy's military had worsened, creating two polar opposites.
"Your Majesty, my suggestion is that we accept Germany's conditions, but the Austro-Hungarian terms must be carefully reconsidered. Germany is too powerful. They single-handedly defeated the Entente. If we reject their demands, they could easily annihilate us. Therefore, we cannot refuse Germany's terms, we must accept them. Moreover, Germany's demands, though harsh, are still more reasonable than those of Austria-Hungary," Antonio Salandra proposed.
Vittorio Emanuele III nodded, though reluctantly. He knew there was no alternative. If Italy rejected Germany, annihilation seemed inevitable.
"Your Majesty, from the telegrams sent by the Foreign Minister, it is clear that Germany and Austria-Hungary have very different attitudes toward us. The German Empire does not seem pleased with the conditions set by Austria-Hungary. This might present us with an opportunity," Antonio Salandra continued.
"For instance, Germany only demands Libya as a colony, but Austria-Hungary demands all our colonies. Does this not reveal that their demands overlap? It's evident that Germany and Austria-Hungary have not coordinated with each other and are at odds. As long as they don't unite against us, our pressure will be significantly reduced," Antonio Salandra concluded.
"Yes, this is our opportunity. Whatever happens, we must try to minimize the cost as much as possible," Vittorio Emanuele III agreed.
Prime Minister Antonio Salandra nodded in agreement.