CO129-437 - Public Offices - 1916 — Page 217

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quency of these unjust acts, which the past has shown to have been committed without cause or even by a hysterical perversion of the organs of sight. I must point out to

you how unjust and ungrateful has been the conduct of the

Hongkong Government. Eritish subjects have always been treated well in Italy, nay more, when they have been at fault, they have been treated with indulgently, even

generously I have in my mind an instance in your Con- sular Service). British merchants have been encouraged and assisted. In the last two years, the action of the

Italian Government on two occasions has been of momentous

importance to you and the cause in which you had enlisted; by our Declaration of Neutrality in August 1914, and our Declaration of War against Austria in Lay, 1915. In the opinion of military critice we saved the cause of the Al- lies on both occasions. I remember what you told me once early in 1915 *do come and assist us* Well we have done

so and what is our reward?

Gross ingratitude!

I have ete.,

3d. Z. Volpicelli.

Consul-General for Italy.