File No. 763.72/1575
The Ambassador in Italy (Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received 11.40 p. m]
214. Affairs here taking novel turn. Begins to look as though Von Bülow’s efforts on verge of success and Austria might yield [Page 19] Trentino to Italy to prevent latter’s siding with England and possibly gain her active aid. Italy has gradually brought out troops until she is said to have now under arms approximately 800,000 men. She has called ostensibly for exercise about 8,000 reserve officers. Thus, without mobilizing formally, she has actually some 800,000 ready and a skeleton army for about a half million more, larger part already convenient to Austrian frontier. Much talk of her siding with Germany should Austria yield Trentino and Trieste. I think this possible only if England acts maladroitly but Germany now furnishing coal and exercising strong influence.