"Kingdom of Italy actually does not want to get involved in this war. We are a peace-loving country. Therefore, this is why we, as a member of Allied Powers, did not fulfill our covenant when the war broke out." Antonio Salandra said.
"A peace-loving country?" Edward Sir Gray and Theophile Delcase both sneered. This is just a step that Italy people are looking for for their own wallflower style. In fact, everyone knows what kind of plans the Italy people have.
"Prime Minister, British Empire and French Republic are also peace-loving countries. We all have no choice but to be involved in this war. However, the war has already begun, and it is useless to say that. I The only thing we can do is to defeat the evil enemy and strive to end the war as soon as possible. This is the most important thing at the moment. We sincerely invite Kingdom of Italy to join our camp." Edward Sir Gray extended the invitation again.
Antonio Salandra seemed to feel the sincerity of Britain and French, and his originally firm tone became slightly looser. This made both Edward Sir Gray and Theophile Delcase very excited.
"Both of you, Kingdom of Italy is not ready for war. Our army has not yet been mobilized and lacks various weapons and equipment. At the same time, military expenditures are also seriously lacking." Antonio Salandra continued.
Edward Sir Gray and Theophile Delcase both know that this is the opportunity for Italy people to make conditions.
"Prime Minister, French Republic can provide Kingdom of Italy with a batch of equipment, enough for you to arm 200,000 people." Theophile Delcase said. Although France's weapons and equipment were once in short supply, if the Italy people can be drawn into their camp, it will be completely worth paying for these weapons and equipment.
"British Empire can also provide Kingdom of Italy with weapons and equipment sufficient to arm two hundred thousand people." Edward Sir Gray also said.
Antonio Salandra nodded with satisfaction. The weapons and equipment provided by Britain and France can save them a lot of money.
Regarding military expenditure, it is also not a problem for Britain and France. Although, because of the war, their government has begun borrowing heavily. But the two countries are much richer than Italy. Edward Sir Gray and Theophile Delcase both stated that if Kingdom of Italy is willing to join Allied Powers in fighting, they will each provide Kingdom of Italy with an interest-free loan of 100 million Pounds Sterling. This is already a large amount of money for Kingdom of Italy, and it also makes Antonio Salandra very satisfied.
In the end, Antonio Salandra raised the issue of distribution of post-war benefits. This is the issue that Kingdom of Italy is most concerned about.
Antonio Salandra said that Kingdom of Italy wanted to get Austro-Hungarian Empire in the coastal areas of Balkan Peninsula and Adriatic Sea after the war.
On this issue, Britain and French are much more generous than Germany and Austro-Hungarian Empire. Of course, this is not their territory to begin with. 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. Britain and France fully agrees with Italy's request.
Britain and France not only explicitly promised Italy to obtain Trieste, Fiume, Istria and Dalmatia, but also gave Dodecanese Islands, which was mainly populated by Greeks, to Italy. It was also agreed that Italy could expand its Africa colonies after the war and participate in the carving up of Türkiye's territory.
Britain and France's decision made Antonio Salandra very satisfied. If the final winner of the war is really Allied Powers, then Kingdom of Italy will gain huge benefits from this war. In fact, this is not far from their goal of reviving Roman Empire and turning 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 a reply tomorrow at the latest. However, I think His Majesty the King will not reject the friendship between your two countries." Antonio Salandra said with a smile on his face.
Edward Sir Gray and Theophile Delcase were also very happy. They did not expect that everything would go so smoothly. The Italy people actually agreed to join their camp so easily. This was really beyond their expectation.
Although, Kingdom of Italy also made some requests. However, for Britain and France, who was eager to reverse the situation and win the war, such a request was nothing at all. As long as we can win the final victory, these are not problems.
After the meeting, Antonio Salandra and Paul Sedley immediately rushed to the palace to report the good news to Vittorio Emanuele III. Although, it's very late now. However, Vittorio Emanuele III is still waiting for news of their talks. Without getting the exact news, he might not even be able to sleep well.
"Your Majesty, Britain and French are very sincere. As long as we join Allied Powers, they are willing to provide us with weapons and equipment capable of arming an army of 200,000 people. At the same time, each will provide us with an interest-free loan of 100 million Pounds Sterling. The most important thing is that they not only promise to transfer Trieste, Fiume, Istria and Dalmatia were given to us, and they also promised to give us Dodecanese Islands, which is mainly populated by Greeks. They even agreed that we could expand their Africa colonies after the war and participate in the carving up of Turkish territory." Antonio Salandra said with a smile on his face.
"Haha, okay, that's great! I have already felt the sincerity of Britain and France." Vittorio Emanuele III König laughed, as if he had received some promise from Britain and France. They all seemed to have forgotten what price they would have to pay if Kingdom of Italy lost the war.
"Your Majesty, shall we agree to Britain and France's request and join Allied Powers in the battle?" Paul? Sedley asked.
"Of course, since Britain and France is so sincere, for the benefit of Kingdom of Italy, I decided to join Allied Powers in fighting!" Vittorio Emanuele III König made the final decision.