IF ITALY FIGHTS AUSTRIA

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 2456, 8 May 1915, Page 6

IF ITALY FIGHTS AUSTRIA

ARMY READY FOR EMERGENCIES ALTERNATIVE WAR PLANS DISCUSSED ' ("Times" and Sydnev "Sub" Services.) London, May 6. The military correspondent of "The Times" says"Since the war started Italy has had tiino to fit herself out with war materials, especially field artillery, in which she was deficient. Probably her reserves have developed, and her defence in the north is now complete. "Italy's approximate war strength is over a million, and her army will bo able to commence operations in tho north under extraordinarily favourable conditions.- It is reasonably hoped that a summer campaign will realise _ Italian aspirations if Jiey are strictly limited to tho acquisition of the Trentino and Trieste. I expect the developing of an attack upon the former and an advance across the River Isonzo, supported by the Navj. "An alternate course would bo-a blockade of the Trentino pending a great decision on the Hungarian plain. A landing on the Gulf of Fiume has been frequently discussed, but whatever strategy is adopted, any menace in the Tyrol must be mot by the advanced .deployment of a great Italian army against Austria. Under existing conditions, from Trieste to Tarvis tho uatural Una of advance runs through Gorz, upon Vienna." ITALY'S PROGRAMME DECIDED ON MONTHS AGO. ' (Rec. May 7, 6 p.m.) London, May 6. According to a semi-official statement from Rome, Italy's programme was completely, drawn up months ago, and is being deliberately carried out, despite incidents which are seemingly contradictory. The Government will announce its fixed purpose at tho moment when such an announcement is most opportune. Discussions in the meantime would bo purposeless.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services) GERMAN PRESS FLAUNTS THE GALICIAN "VICTORY." (Reo. May 7, 6 p.m.) London, May; 6. The Berlin newspapers lay stress' on tho importance of the victory in Western Galicia. "It will give Italy and Rumania," tho.y say, "some idea of our powor. Germany, unperturbed by Italy's decision, will let our former ally decide for herself. If she joius our enemies, she does so at her own risk." KAISER CONFERRING WITH HIS MINISTERS. (Rec. May 7, 6.50 p.m.) Copenhagen, May 7. Tho Kaiser, Herr von Betlunami-Hollweg (tho German Chancellor), and Herr von Jagow (Minister for Foreign Affairs) have returned to Berlin in connection with the Italian situation. Tim "Knlnisclic Zeitung" belie,yes that war with Italy is inevitable, but if it comes, Germany's hatred for tho English will bo nothing compared to her hatred for Italy for her treachery. FRENCH CONFIDENCE IN ITALY'S DECISION IMMEDIATE DENOUEMENT EXPECTED. London, May 6. The Paris correspondent of "The Times" says: —"It is believed that only considerations of internal policy and a desiro not to prematurely inflame tho country influenced tho King of Italy and his advisera to absent themselves from the Genoa festivities. It is an insult to the intelligence of the Italians to believe for a moment that they have been swayed by tho German diplomatic arguments contained in the bombardment of Dunkirk and the fierce offensive in North France. French confidence in Italy's decision is unshaken; an- immediate agreement with, the Entsnte or a rupture with Austro-Germany is expected." ANTI-GERMAN RIOTS IN RUMANIA GERMANOPHILE NEWSPAPER OFFICES ATTACKED. London, May 6. The Conservatives in Bucharest have unanimously persuaded M. Margin Loman, their leader, not to r&ign Crowds attacked tho offices of the Germanophilfi Press, and burnt their uewspapers in the street.—("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) [A previous message stated:—The Rumanian Conservative leader, M. Alarghi Lomau, has resigned. Ho favours neutrality. This marks the commencement of a war campaign. Rumania is expected to act simultaneously with Italy.] AUSTRIANS ON BUKOWINA AND RUMANIAN FRONTIERS. . , London, May 6 The Austrians are fortifying tho Bukowina frontier, and have withdrawn eighty thousand men from the Servian frontier to strengthen the Rumanian frontier..