ITALY'S FIRST BIG ENGAGEMENT

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2482, 8 June 1915, Page 5

ITALY'S FIRST BIG ENGAGEMENT

FIGHT FOR TOLMINO CONCENTRATION OF TROOPS DEVELOPING (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) ' , Rome, June 6. The encircling of Riva (Lake Garda). Mori (east of Riva), and Hoveredo (on the Adigi) is proceeding systematically, though slowly, owing to the steepuess of the mountains. The artillery at Pasubio is enabling th« Italians to occupy villaecs along the valley. „• . , , , Rome, June 8. Official.—"pie concentrating movement of great masses of troops continues everywhere in perfect order. Our advance continues on the front from the St. Elvio Pass (on the Swiss frontier) to the sea. The infantry are entrenching in powerful positions on conquered ground, strongly supported by artillery." FIRST IMPORTANT BATTLE RAGING ACTION PROGRESSING FAVOURABLY FOR ITALIANS. . (Rec. June 7, 6.45 p.m.) The first important battle of the Austro-Italian campaign haT beeiTraging since Thursday, for the possession of Tolmino. Tlie engagement is progressing favourably for the Italians. . " BUFFALOES STAMPEDED AGAINST ENEMY'S ENTANGLE- " MENTS. ' During the attack on Monte Carado the Italians by means of a few bombs stampeded wild buffaloes against the Austrian entanglements, and so smashed their way through. GATHERING IN THE- ENEMY'S SHIPPING. , . . , , , London, June 6. The Italian authorities liare confiscated fifty-seven Austrian and German steamers, totalling 216,770. tons. VIENNA IN A STATE OF SIEGE. . • , London, June 0. Zurich reports state that the situation in Vienna is very grave.' A state of siege has been proclaimed, and the dispatch of newspapers and letters to Switzerland forbiddeii. —"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. THE POPE'S EFFORTS FOR PEACE AN EXPOSURE OF AUSTRO-GERMAN DIPLOMACY. Roma, Juno 0. Cardinal Gasparri, Papal Secretary of State, is preparing a White Book, showing the Pope's diplomatic action in favour of peace, and explaining the cessation of the English and Dutch special mission. The paper concludes by exposing the' system of diplomatic pressure exercised by the Austrian and German Empires upon the Holy See. ITALIAN NAVAL DIVISION IN ACTION A VOYAGE OF DESTRUCTION OFF ENEMY'S COAST. The High Commissioner reports:— r London, June 7, 2.50 p.m. The Italian naval division operated on Saturday against the enemy's coast, cutting the cables connecting the mainland with the Dalmatian Archipelago, destroying lighthouses and observation stations, and seriously damaging the railway'between tho Cattaro and Kagusa. ° Our destroyer flotilla bombarded Montfalcon. and sank mcrchandiscladen lighters. MIDGET BELLIGERENT IN THE ARENA London, June 0. It is reported that the Republic of San Marino has associated itself with Italy, and declared a state of war.—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. [San Marino,' the smallest State in Europe (population a little over 11,000), is "situated between the' provinces of Forli and Pesaro e Urbino. Italy, on spurs of the Apennines." It has been an independent community since the Middle Ages; its independence was confirmed by the Pope in 1631. and several limes since. Its area is about thirty-two square miles. The military fores mn-fiists nf tb.irty-nins officers and 050 men.J