THE ITALIAN ARMY'S SPLENDID DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 235, 22 June 1918, Page 7

THE ITALIAN ARMY'S SPLENDID DEFENCE

ME. LLOYD GEOEGE'S MESSAGE OF CONGRATULATION. ißec. Juno 21, 11.10 p.m.)' London, Juno 20. The Press Bureau states that Mr. Lloyd George telegraphed to Signor Orlando, tins Italian Premier as follows:—"The Imperial War Cabinet and the representatives of all the peoples, and nations of the British Empire desire to congnitulnto the Italian Army on its splendid detunes in the great battle now in progress. The War Cabinet watched with pride nml - admiration the unwavering courage with which the brave soldiers of Italy, in company with the Fr.'.nco-Bntish, repelled the oljensivo conducted with the whole strength of the Ausiro-Hungarian Army. This great success is a deep source of encouragement to the- Allies, coming at the most fateful hour of the whole war. It is a good augury that the- alliance of free nntione will ere long free the world once and for all time from the military domination which has threatened it so long. — Aus.-iN.Z.- Cable Assn.-Reuter. END OP THE AUSTRIANS' EFFECTIVE FORCES .ALLIED AIRMEN-INCESSANTLY BOMBING THE ENEMY. London, June 19, midnight. Jir. Jeffreys writes to the "Daily Mail":-"At Montello the situation is very steady. The Austrians have for the lime being ceased tho offensive, but they have had no opportunity to dig deep trenches, and are particularly exposed to artillery fire. ' Tho dead are lyinj thick for miles along the river elopes. The enemy seems indifferent and unable to react against tho Italian movements. Prisoners declare that the -Austrians' clfccti vn forces have come to an end. There is plenty of ammunition, but no food. The troops were persuaded to take tho offensive I>y the promise that rich stores of food would bs captured in Italy. Soive of the pontoons of a bride at Montello have disappeared, having probably been carried away by the swollen Piave. If so, the position of the Austrians is likely to bo critical. Swarms of-British and Italian airmen nre incessantly bombing the enemy. A Hungarian General at Montello, deserted by his staff, lost his way, but refused to surrender, and was killed."—"The Times." ».I . . FEAEFUL ENEMY LOSSES. ■ .• ■ . x London, June 20. A "Daily Chronicle" correspondent on tho .Italian front says that an early Austrian retirement from the Pi.ivo would not be surprising. It is estimated that the stupefying Austrian losses exceed the Italian losses by five to one. Already the Austrians have throw'n in their reserves, whereas Italy's are intact.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , -AUSTRIANS SHORT OF FOOD AND .AMMUNITION. London, Juno 19. ■ Mr. Ward Price confirms.the report that prisoners state that they had not received any food since the offensive started, and that ammunition is running short. . There is evidence of widespread confusion. The High Command has intercepted messages which state that units are mixed .up and find it difficult to keep their direction. The Italian resistance is most stubborn.—Aus.-N.Z. C'ablo Assn. ■ . , . . ■ BEHIND THE AUSTRIAN LINES CZECHS AND SLOVAKS BLOW UP. AMMUNITION DUMPS. '..-. • v . - . Rome, June 19. '. Several curious happenings are reported behind fhe Austrian liiies.'where, it is stated, for instance, the Czechs and Slovaks arc blowing up munition dumps — Kcuter. : . . ' ' . >