52 The Great War possibly the destruction of its merchant marine, probably famine if its shores were blockaded; certainly misery, financial suffering, since the strain of the Turkish war was still felt. Finally no proportionate gain that could balance patent loss. Germany had never put much reliance in Italy's fidelity. Bismarck had declared that if one Italian corporal and one private faced west, that Is toward France, he would be satisfied. General von Bern- hardi in his famous book declared that Germany should have attacked Italy when Italy attacked Tur- key, holding the Ottoman a more valuable ally. Italy joined the Triple Alliance when the occupa- tion of Tunis by France roused a passing storm. She remained in it because, as Count Nigra once said, Italy and Austria must be allies or foes. The alliance was never popular, and the ties had gravely loosened in recent years as friendship with France and ancient sympathy with England had exerted an anti-German influence. In the present war Italy would necessarily be Aus- tria's soldier, fighting for Austrian aggrandizement, Rome despatches promptly demonstrated the de- cision of the whole Italian people against this — a decision forcing the compliance of the Government. It remained to be seen whether obvious self-interest would subsequently transform Italy from a neutral to a foe of her old allies, seeking to " redeem " old Italian land in Austria.