The Pope has spared no effort to divert Italy from the path of war. But his last efforts have failed even to get a reply from the Government.
Ttalian leaders have decided to strike, observers stated, because they believe that despite the valour and power of the French Army, the combined German and Italian armed forces should be able to force a decision before Britain can organize a new expeditionary force or the United States can give more effective aid.
The only subject of talk in all Italian quarters today was the war and the hour of Italy's embroilment in it. All sorts of rumours were in circulation. It was generally expected that tomorrow's Cabinet meet. ing would definitely mark the concluding phase of Italy's war of nerves and the first of Italy's war of blood.—Havas.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.