Summary — The old Mediterranean problems between France and Italy on the eve of the second world war became very serious: for both countries the Mediterranean sea was an area of collision more than an area of accordance. Mr. Mussolini used the Mediterranean sea to increase his own prestige inside and abroad. In his opinion the Mediterranean sea was also a screen behind which to hide other problems with France. The duce’s speech in the Gran Consiglio (4th February 1939) was very significant: Mr Mussolini wanted to use diplomacy with France only by waiting to solve definitely all the problems through war. The French policy, instead, was turned towards the defence of her own positions, and not towards new acquisitions.

So the "historical matches" in the Mediterranean sea between France and Italy were: Spain and Balears, Corsica, Tunisia, Suez, Levant.

Spain greatly hampered the reconciliation of the two countries: Italy didn’t want to modify her policy toward Franco; her will to have military bases in the Balears was seen by French government as a mean to shut off communications between France and North Africa. And it was so also after Franco’s victory, however Mussolini said that the "barricade" between two countries was "rather pulled down".

Corsica was claimed — as Tunisia and Suez — during the demonstrations on 30th November 1938. Mr Mussolini aimed at annexing the isle to Italy, exploiting autonomist and irredentist people. Mr Bonnet’s in Paris and Mr Daladier’s in Ajaccio and Bastia speeches were successful in France and in Corsica, but increased the fascist press attack against France.

Tunisia was the main Italian revendication. Italy wanted both sides of Sicily Channel and in this it founded not only French but also English opposition. Italy was not disposed to loose all the "capital" (not only economic, but also human, cultural, social) employed in Tunisia. "Baudouin mission" of February 1939 seemed to be a gleam of hope, but didn’t bring any significant improovement in the relations between France and Italy. The proposed conference at the end of August 1939 was expected to solve — among other problems — also the Tunisian question, but it didn’t take place.

After the constitution of the Empire, Italy considerably increased naval trading across the Suez Canal and consequently wanted to share the responsibility in the administration of the Compagnie Universelle controlled chiefly by the French: it was a political — and not only an economic — problem. This matter — as the others — wasn’t solved before September 1939.

Levant problem worsened after the signature of the French-Turkish agreement (23rd june 1939). Italy, being one of the powers who granted (April 1920) France mandate over Syria, made a formal protest for the violation of this mandate, but didn’t obtain any advantage.