**PRESS RELEASE**
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(c) Alpine News Services
SPRING, 1902 - DUBROVNIK, Austria-Hungary
Speaking to a hushed crowd in this balmy Croat resort town, Richard III of Italy and Prince Metternich of Austria today revealed that their countries had activated a mutual defence pact that had been secretly signed in this city in the Spring of 1901. The mysterious redeployment of Italian ships away from Greece, and the subsequent move of Italy's First Army into Austria was all part of an allied "Plan IV" designed to curtail the growing tide of
French aggression for the long term.
"Italy's troops have been asked to temporarily occupy Trieste to protect it from French wines and French fashions. In exchange, Austria has agreed to hold on to Greece until Italy can repel the French aggressor and bring its Kitten to terms," said Prince Metternich.
"We can only give thanks that we have such understanding allies in this our time of need," said King Richard III. "Aid is needed because Europe has a new Napoleon III, and his name is Kitten of Chaos," the King said, speaking before a battalion of greenjacketed Italian troops who have been transferred
into the Joint Forces Adriatic Command. "Austria's help will not be in vain, since every single unit of our armed forces can now be redirected against the aggressor."
Both national leaders concluded their remarks by noting that, effective Spring 1902, the Austro-Italian alliance considered itself in a state of war against the Republic of France, Europe's only aggressor nation.
-30-
For further information, please contact the ambassador or consular officials of either government in your community.