Italian foreign policy went through two stages during the Fascist regime . Until 1934 – 35 , Mussolini followed a " modest ... and responsible " course and following that date there was " ceaseless activity and aggression " . " Prior to the Italian invasion of Ethiopia , Mussolini had made military agreements with the French and formed a coalition with the British and French to prevent German aggression in Europe . " The Ethiopian War " exposed vulnerabilities and created opportunities that Mussolini seized to realise his imperial vision " At the Nyon Conference of 1937 , Italy and the United Kingdom " disclaimed any desire to modify or see modified the national sovereignty of any country in the Mediterranean area , and agreed to discourage any activities liable to impair mutual relations . " Italian diplomatic and military moves did not reflect this agreement . In the aftermath of the Italian invasion of Abyssinia , British and Italian forces in North Africa were reinforced . Due to various Italian moves , in July 1937 , the British decided " that Italy could not now be regarded as a reliable friend " and preparations began to bring " the defences of the Mediterranean and the Red Sea ports up-to-date " . In 1938 , a weak armoured division was established in Egypt and further army and air force reinforcements were dispatched from Britain
Nyon Conference
Nyon Conference
Mediterranean and Middle East theatre of World War II