opposed to the unification of the Jugoslavs, I endeavoured to render the latter a service in as tactful and unobtrusive a manner as I could. I had several discussions, for example, with the leading members of the “Dante Alighieri” League (Zaccagnini, San Miniatelli, Scodnik, and others), to whom, while emphasizing my loyalty and sincerity towards Italy, I endeavoured to demonstrate the inaccuracy of their views.
The attitude which I then adopted towards Italy, both official and unofficial, was one to which I adhered throughout the war. I never concealed the bonds of friendship which united us inseparably with the Jugoslavs, but under all circumstances I continued to be loyal to Italian interests.
54
I began my political activities in Rome on January 13, 1917, by visiting my friend Erazim Piltz, who was a member of the Polish Committee. I hoped to obtain from him some account of affairs in Rome, before beginning my negotiations with official Italian circles and with the Allied ambassadors.
Piltz received me in a friendly manner, gave me the information I wanted regarding the situation in Italy, and at once told me about his last visit to the Vatican. He explained that the Vatican was in favour of the Poles, but wanted to save Austria. It appeared that Piltz had spoken to the Pope about us also, and he advised me strongly to get into touch with the Vatican circles and to gain their sympathies, as they were very powerful. He said that their attitude towards us was a reserved one, and that we were not in favour with them; but if a visit were paid to them, it would be possible at least to persuade them from working against us. I followed the advice which Piltz gave me.
It was Veselý who prepared Commandini for my visit, and Gino Scarpa introduced me to his Minister, with whom I had a detailed conversation on the affairs of Austria and ourselves. He was quite well acquainted with these questions, and was keenly interested in them. I gave him an account of the progress which our movement had made, as well as of our plans and aims, and of our work in Russia and France concerning the army and the prisoners of war. I asked for assistance from Italy, in particular, to enable us to get into touch with our prisoners of war and possibly also, in due course, to liberate
