Chapter 309： Betrayal

"The Kingdom of Italy actually does not want to be involved in this war. We are a peace-loving country. Therefore, this is why we are a member of the Allied Powers, but we did not fulfill the covenant when the war broke out. said Antonio Sarandra.

"Peace-loving country?" Sir Edward Gray and Theophile Delcase both sneered. This is just a step that the Italians are looking for for their sloppy style. In fact, everyone knows what kind of plans the Italians have.

"Your Excellency, the British Empire and the French Republic are also peace-loving countries. We are all forced to be involved in this war. However, the war has already begun, and it is useless to say that. Our only What can be done is to defeat the evil enemy and strive for an early end to the war. This is the most important thing right now. We sincerely invite the Kingdom of Italy to join our camp." Sir Edward Gray once again issued an invitation.

Antonio Sarandra seemed to have sensed the sincerity of the British and the French, and his tone that had been resolute was a little looser, which made both Sir Edward Gray and Theophile Del Casse very upset. For uplifting.

"Two, the Kingdom of Italy is not ready for war. Our army has not been mobilized yet, and it lacks all kinds of weapons and equipment. At the same time, military expenditure is also seriously lacking." Antonio Salandra continued.

Sir Edward Gray and Theophile Delcase both knew that this was an opportunity for the Italians to raise conditions.

"Your Excellency, the French Republic can provide the Kingdom of Italy with a batch of equipment, enough for you to arm 200,000 people." Théophile Delcase said. Although France's weapons and equipment were once tight, if the Italians can be drawn into their camp, it is completely worth paying for these weapons and equipment.

"The British Empire can also provide the Kingdom of Italy with enough weapons and equipment to arm 200,000 people." Sir Edward Gray also said.

Antonio Salandra nodded in satisfaction. The weapons and equipment provided by Britain and France can save them a lot of money.

Regarding military spending, it is also not a problem for Britain and France. Although, because of the war, their government has begun to borrow a lot of money. But both countries are already much wealthier than Italy. Both Sir Edward Gray and Theophile Delcase stated that if the Kingdom of Italy was willing to join the Allies in fighting, they would each provide the Kingdom of Italy with an interest-free loan of 100 million pounds. This is already a large amount of money for the Kingdom of Italy, and it also makes Antonio Salandra very satisfied.

In the end, Antonio Salandra raised the issue of the distribution of post-war interests, which is the most concerned issue of the Kingdom of Italy.

Antonio Salandra said that after the war, the Kingdom of Italy hoped to obtain the coastal areas of the Adriatic Sea of ​​the Austro-Hungarian Empire in the Balkan Peninsula.

On this issue, the British and the French are much more generous than Germany and the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Of course, this was not their territory in the first place. This kind of generosity to others is undoubtedly their favorite thing to do. Anyway, it is harming the interests of others and seeking benefits for them. For the Italians' request, Britain and France fully agreed.

Britain and France not only clearly promised Italy that Trieste, Fiume, Istria and Dalmatia could be acquired, but also gave Italy the Dodecanese Islands, which are mainly populated by Greeks. It was also agreed that Italy could expand its African colonies after the war and could participate in the partition of Turkey's territory.

This decision of Britain and France made Antonio Sarandra very satisfied. If the final victor of the war is really the Allied Powers, then the Kingdom of Italy will gain huge benefits in this war. Even, this is not far from their goal of revitalizing the Roman Empire and turning the Mediterranean Sea into their inner lake.

"You two, I already know your sincerity. I will report to His Majesty the King immediately. I can give you an answer tomorrow at the latest. However, I think His Majesty the King will definitely not reject the friendship between your two countries." Antonio Salandra said with a smile on his face.

Sir Edward Gray and Theophile Delcase were also very happy. They did not expect that everything would go so smoothly. The Italians agreed to join their camp so easily. This is really surprising. To their surprise.

Although, the Kingdom of Italy also made some demands. However, for Britain and France, which are eager to reverse the situation and win the war, such a request is nothing at all. As long as the final victory can be obtained, these are not problems.

After the meeting ended, Antonio Salandra and Paul Sedley rushed to the palace immediately to report the good news to Vittorio Emanuele III. Although, it's too late now. However, Vittorio Emanuele III is still waiting for news of their talks. Before he got the exact news, he might not even be able to sleep soundly.

"Your Majesty, the British and the French are very sincere. As long as we join the Allies, they are willing to provide us with weapons and equipment capable of arming 200,000 troops, and at the same time, each provide us with an interest-free loan of 100 million pounds Most importantly, they promised us not only Trieste, Fiume, Istria and Dalmatia, but perhaps the Dodecanese islands, which are mostly Greek inhabited. They even agreed that we can expand its African colonies after the war and participate in the partition of Turkey's territory." Antonio Sarandra smiled.

"Haha, good, it's really great! I have already felt the sincerity of Britain and France." King Vittorio Emanuele III laughed, as if he had received some promise from Britain and France Same. They seem to have forgotten what price they would have to pay if the Kingdom of Italy lost the war.

"Your Majesty, shall we agree to the request of Britain and France and join the Allies to fight?" Paul Sedley asked.

"Of course, since Britain and France are so sincere, for the benefit of the Kingdom of Italy, I have decided to join the Allied Powers to fight!" King Vittorio Emanuele III made the final decision.