Benito Mussolini, Engelbert Dollfuss and Gyula Gömbös signed in Rome, on 17 March 1934, three protocols: one trilateral political text and two economic ones, of which the third is Italy–Austria only. Three copies, Italian, German and Hungarian; Italian prevails. League of Nations Treaty Series, volume 154. They entered into force on 12 July 1934. Istituto Luce filmed the signing at Palazzo Venezia. They are not a military pact and do not name Germany.

Protocol No. 1: the Austrian Federal Chancellor, the Head of the Government of the King of Italy and the Royal Hungarian Prime Minister undertake, on the basis of the existing treaties of friendship, to align their policy on questions of particular concern to them and on questions of a general character, toward effective European co-operation. They will consult together whenever at least one of them deems it advisable. The text is short, with no numbered articles.

Protocol No. 2, on the development of economic relations: Article 1 — extend existing agreements, ease mutual exports and conclude new bilateral agreements before 15 May 1934. Article 2 — measures for Hungary’s difficulties from the fall in cereal prices, likewise by that date. Article 3 — ease transit through Adriatic ports. Article 4 — a standing commission of experts. This is not a tariff-evasion handbook.

Protocol No. 3, complementary, Italy–Austria only: a new commercial treaty as soon as possible and reciprocal privileges in that treaty. Italian Royal Decree No. 1055 of 5 July 1934 approved Protocols 2 and 3; domestic entry into force coincides with 12 July.

Registration with the League of Nations on 12 December 1934. The political co-operation was short: in 1938 Italy accepted the Anschluss of Austria. The protocols contain no military-alliance clauses. The Little Entente is not a party to this instrument.

Cover: Palazzo Venezia in Rome, the venue of the filmed signing, not the table in the hall. Wikimedia Commons, free licence.

Sources consulted: Rome Protocols; Protocol No. 1 between Italy, Austria and Hungary.