Meanwhile, the situation of Italy was changed.

The fall of the anti-French Crispi in

1896 (see Section 17.5) and his replacement by the more pro-French Rudini opened the
way to a changed relationship, reflected by the conclusion of a commercial treaty in
1898.
(a) The end ofthe anti-French Mediterranean alignment
In 1896, Italy effectively recognised the French protectorate over Tunisia. Then in 1900
France recognised Italian interests in Libya, and Italy recognised Morocco as a French
sphere of interest.
(b) Franco-Italian Agreement (1902)
Only days after the renewal of the Triple Alliance Italy reached a vague agreement
with France which guaranteed neutrality if either was attacked, but also meant that if
eith er of them declared war in response to provocation the other had the option to
remain neutral if the provocation could be interpreted as an attack. This was not
entirely compatible with the terms of the Triple Alliance; Italy, the 'Jackal State', was
left keeping her options open . Von Bi.ilow, the German Chancellor, did try to make
light of it: 'In a happy marriage a husband does not mind if his wife has a dance with
another man. The main thing is that she should not elope. '