On May 23, 1915 Italy declared war on Austria-Hungary, its former ally as a member of the Triple Alliance. Clasping the hands of the German and Austro-Hungarian emperors Wilhelm II and Franz Josef, Italy's king Victor Emmanuel III conceals the tattered document behind his back.
Ihr Völker merkt für jetzt und späterSo schwor zum Dreibund der VerräterYour people note both now and later,Thus swore to the Triple Alliance the traitor.Reverse:Militäramtlich genehmigt (Officially approved by the military)Logo: EMM No. 9
"The Marquis of San Giuliano answered that as the war undertaken by Austria was aggressive and did not fall within the purely defensive character of the Triple Alliance, particularly in view of the consequences which might result from it according to the declaration of the German Ambassador, Italy could not take part in the war."
M. Barrère, French Ambassador at Rome to M. René Viviani, President of the Council, Minister for Foreign Affairs, reporting on his visit earlier in the day to the Marquis of San Giuliano, Italian Minister of Foreign Affairs.
Collected Diplomatic Documents Relating to the Outbreak of the European War, page 228, publisher: His Majesty's Stationery Office by Harrison and Sons, publication date: 1915
Triple Alliance, 1914-08-01, August, 1914, Italy, Italy declares neutrality
