The Dominion. TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1916. ITALY'S VICTORIOUS OFFENSIVE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2850, 15 August 1916, Page 4

The Dominion. TUESDAY, AUGUST 15, 1916. ITALY'S VICTORIOUS OFFENSIVE

General Cadobna's great stroke comes at an opportune time. It stands out as one of the turning points in the war, and may bo classed with Russi&Virresistiblo advance, and with the terrific onslaught of the British arid French forces on the Western front. Italy's splendid achievement is not the result of. an unexpected run of luck. It is tho outcome of much careful planning and preparation. General Oadorna firmly resisted tho temptation to strike before he was ready, and when he did strike the blow fell on the Austrians with dramatic suddenness and staggering power. The period of preparation may have seemed long to people who have been watching and waiting for big happenings on the Italian frontier. We all. felt confident that the Italian armies would, sooner or later, recover from the check which they received in May la£t, and now that the counter-stroke has come the World has been deeply impressed by the perfect timing as well as the indubitable effectiveness of the blow. General ' Cadorna's strategy has been completely justified. The British Empire heartily joins with the peoplo of Italy in their rejoicings over the victorious advancc of their gallant troops, who have had to overcome enormous difficulties. The world is now the triumphant culmination of a long period of hard work, and of many hardships patiently endured. General Cadorna's methods have not escaped criticism, but what has been termed his "silent tenacity" is now receiving the that it has justly oarncd. Italy is proving her capacity to make her proper contribution to the succcss of the common cause of the Allies. Towards tho end of June, when the Italian forward movement began, it was pointed out l that the repulse of the Austrians from positions then held in Italian territory was one of tho first checks to the combined Austro-Gorman attacks on Vordun and in tho, Trentino. This reminds us that, though the spheres of operations aro many, tho war is one. The Italian advanco has made tho task of all the Allies easier, and the Italians havo not been slow to acknowledge that Russia's great effort contributed very materially to the successful achievements of General Oadorna's armies. And Russia, in her turn, is only repaying a debt sho owes to Italy, for , the Tsar's forces were hard prossed

at the moment when Italy entered tho war, and Austria was compelled to weaken her striking power in fialicia in order to cope with tho vapid and vigorous onslaught of tho Italians.

"Silent tenacity" must not bo regarded as a comprehensive description of Italian strategy. When the ncod for dash and impetuosity arises present happenings show that tho Italians havo their full share of these qualities. Mil. Sidney Low, tho special representative of tho British Press at Italian Headquarters, tells us that tho younger Italian officers do not believe in a war of attrition. It is not on the exhaustion of Austria—though they think she is being exhausted—that thoy count so much as on a series of tangible successcs, which will crush tho enemy to the earth. They are fully confident -that these successes will bo won.—and before very long. Tho Austrians are bigger and heavier men than the Italians, and they arc undoubtedly bravo; but it is, said that they are by no means keen to get to close quarters with, the soldiers of Italy, especially tho Neapolitans and Sicilians. "'These lithe, wiry, sunburnt, swiftfooted children of tho South and East sprint into the charge (writes Mr. Low) with wild shouts and eyes that flash like their own knives." Tho Italian nation is as determined and as confident as tho Italian Army. Tho rocent Cabinet reconstruction did not mean any chango in tho nation's war policy. When the Boselli Ministry presented itself to Parliament on Juno 28 the Premier made this unmistakably clear. He emphasised tho detcrlinination to continuo tho war till a definite triumph was achieved, tho perfect agreement between tho Allies, closer co-operation of military operations on all fronts, the harmony of Italian parties, and continuity of foreign policy. Ho paid a glowing, tribute to the army and to tho Kino, who has taken his place among them, ignoring all danger. Italy is fighting both for ! the cause of civilisation an,d for tho rodemptipn of her lost provinces. Tho Premier spoke of the army as tho "soldiers of tho rational redemption," who are advancing and will advance still further until the Italian flag floats over everything that is Italian. Since those words were spoken great things havo -happened, and Italy has strong reasons Jor believing that the near future nas still greater successes in store for her. Austria is now being subjected to tremendous pressuro on two fronts. It is surprising that she has been able to stall off the inevitable collapse for so long. • Tho battering which she is now receiving from both Italy and Russia must be bringing her. very near to tho limit of her powers of endurance.