Italy and the Triple Alliance

Consider the second article of the treaty of the Triple Alliance:

http://wwi.lib.byu.edu/index.php/The_Triple_Alliance_%28The_English_Tranlation%29

ARTICLE 2. In case Italy, without direct provocation on her part, should be attacked by France for any reason whatsoever, the two other Contracting Parties shall be bound to lend help and assistance with all their forces to the Party attacked. This same obligation shall devolve upon Italy in case of any aggression without direct provocation by France against Germany.

Now, assume that in 1914 Germany had chosen a Russia First strategy and not declared war on France. Instead it would have been France that DW on Germany in support of Russia.

Would Italy have wormed their way out of the Triple Allliance regardless? I guess they could have claimed that Germany declaring war on Russia in support of Austria-Hungary would constitute direct provocation. Or?
 

BlondieBC

Banned
Would Italy have wormed their way out of the Triple Allliance regardless? I guess they could have claimed that Germany declaring war on Russia in support of Austria-Hungary would constitute direct provocation. Or?

No. Once you decide to not honor a treaty, one excuse is as good as another.


And this was well know before hand. You can read captain Mahan book in about 1908 where he explains why Italy will not support Germany in a war.
 
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