In what numbers the existing soldiers would in case of war be available for field formations in Germany and Austria is not known, and it would be undesirable to state.  It depends partly on the forces available, partly on other circumstances winch are not open to public discussion.  However high our estimate of the new formations may be, we shall never reach the figures which the combined forces of France and Russia present.  We must rather try to nullify the numerical superiority of the enemy by the increased tactical value of the troops, by intelligent generalship, and a prompt use of opportunity and locality.  Even the addition of the Italian army to the forces of Germany and Austria would not, so far as I know, restore numerical equality in the field.

In France it has been thought hitherto that two or three army corps must be left on the Italian frontier.  Modern French writers [A] are already reckoning so confidently on the withdrawal of Italy from the Triple Alliance that they no longer think it necessary to put an army in the field against Italy, but consider that the entire forces of France are available against Germany.

[Footnote A:  Colonel Boucher, “L’offensive contre l’Allemagne.”]

The peace establishment of the Italian army amounts, in fact, to 250,000 men, and is divided into 12 army corps and 25 divisions.  The infantry, in 96 regiments, numbers 140,000; there are besides 12 regiments of Bersaglieri, with which are 12 cyclist battalions and 8 Alpine regiments in 78 companies.  The cavalry consists of 29 regiments, 12 of which are united in 3 cavalry divisions.  The artillery has a strength of 24 field artillery regiments and 1 mounted regiment of artillery, and numbers 193 field and 8 mounted batteries.  Besides this there are 27 mountain batteries and 10 regiments of garrison artillery in 98 companies.  Lastly, there are 6 engineer regiments, including a telegraph regiment and an airship battalion.  The Gendarmerie contains 28,000 men.

On a war footing the strength of the field army is 775,000.  Some 70,000 men are enrolled in other formations of the first and second line.  The militia is some 390,000 strong.  The strength of the reserves who might be mobilized is not known.  The field army is divided into 3 armies of 9 army corps in all, to which are added 8 to 12 divisions of the Territorial army and 4 cavalry divisions.

As to colonial troops, Italy can command in Benadir the services of 48 officers and 16 non-commissioned officers of Italian birth, and 3,500 native soldiers; in Eritrea there are 131 officers, 644 non-commissioned officers and privates of Italian birth, and 3,800 natives.

Italy thus can put a considerable army into the field; but it is questionable whether the South Italian troops have much tactical value.  It is possible that large forces would be required for coast-defence, while the protection of Tripoli, by no means an easy task, would claim a powerful army if it is to be held against France.