not promised him a single soldier. He further stated that the Ministry of War had expressed a similar view, and would not allow our prisoners to proceed to the Balkans. A few days later M. Giers also expressed the same opinion about Pučálka’s undertakings.
We thereupon discussed the demands which I had submitted to Sonnino. Demartino asked me to draw up my arguments and requests in writing. In this way I should obtain an official reply from the Government. At the same time he informed me that after my visit Sonnino had decided upon what point of view he would adopt towards the political questions which I had submitted to him. He added that the Government was disposed to grant political recognition to the National Council, to enter into official contact with it openly, and to accept whatever consequences that this would involve. He also indicated that the Government would evidently be opposed to sending our troops to France, but that negotiations could be arranged for organizing our army in Italy.
The text of the statement which I had submitted to Sonnino on September 14, 1917, became the starting-point for detailed discussions with both Ministries on political and military affairs, and these discussions lasted until October 8, 1917. During this visit to Rome I negotiated with Demartino on five occasions altogether. I also had several discussions on the same subjects with Manzoni. It was on September 14th that Demartino gave me verbally the official reply of the Consulta to my communication. It was affirmative in principle on all the points concerned, but there were reservations as to the form of organization which the army should assume. In informing me of this, Demartino explained that the outstanding questions would have to be settled by the Ministry of War, acting in agreement with the Consulta. He therefore recommended me to discuss these practical matters with the Ministry of War direct. This was no less interesting and no less important than the negotiations with Sonnino and his Ministry.
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Having concluded my personal negotiations with Sonnino and Demartino, I informed Barrère, Giers, and also Sir Rennell
