Lorcano Treaties (1925) Flashcards
What role was BM keen to play in W Europe (where B&F’s main interests lay) while he was meddling in the Balkans?
A moderate statesman
How did he cement this role?
- Italy remained in the LoN (the ostensible guarantor of international conflict)
- signed the Lorcano Treaties
- entered the Kellogg-Briand (1928) pact outlawing war.
- Italy & Britain came to an agreement over the location of the border between their N. Africa colonial territories, Libya & Egypt.
What did BM really think of the pacts?
He had little interest in the details of such pacts & treaties, and rarely took the time to read them thoroughly.
But he did see the advantages of participating in these diplomatic spectacles.
Why did BM get involved in the Lorcano Treaties?
- enjoyed being taken seriously as a European statesman.
- hoped that apparent moderation would lead to some concessions from B&F
- saw an opportunity to enhance his domestic prestige and power (MOST IMPORTANT FACTOR)
Who did BM originally send to represent Italy?
Dino Grandi
Why didn’t BM originally attend the conference?
He wouldn’t go as the other leaders refused to move it to Rome.
Why did BM eventually join the conference?
- Didn’t want to miss out on benefiting from a diplomatic success.
- Knew how useful it would be to boost his domestic prestige and distract from domestic problems.
How did BM dramatically arrive to the conference?
On a speedboat with a large band of blackshirts.
What was the Italian press coverage like surrounding the treaty?
- EXTENSIVE
- Suggested that…
(i) BM had been treated as an equal by the great powers’ leaders.
(ii) BM’s presence & contributions had been crucial in reaching such momentous European agreements - Made a powerful impression on Italy
Was the assertion that BM’s presence & contributions had been crucial correct?
- a GROSS EXAGGERATION
- He only attended one session and didn’t even’t bother to read the final draft of the treaties.
How did journalists react to BM’s arrival at Lorcano?
Refused to attend and waited outside the room to greet him w/ silent contempt as he emerged from the lobby.
Popolo d’Italiana of course reported massive crowds
Why after Lorcano did BM himself never attend foreign conferences?
He didn’t want to invite a similar rebuff (could sway Italian PO if they found out) so preferred to stay at home.
What agreements were reached at Lorcano?
It only reaffirmed Germany’s frontiers that were agreed in TOV (1919).
BUT
The treaties heralded a period of peace based on international cooperation.
What new feeling pervaded the political scene immediately after Lorcano?
optimism
What did people speak of?
“the spirit of Lorcano”
