THE ITALIAN CRISIS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 November 1917, Page 1

THE ITALIAN CRISIS.

THE NEW LEADERS

(From the Sydney “Sun.”)

London, Nov io Reuter’s correspondent at Rome says that the new Commander-in-Ctiief, General Diaz, is 56 years of age. He - is said to combine the brilliant intellect of the south with the stolidity of the north. He was a colonel in Libya, and commanded an army corps on the Carso. Under General Diaz are Generals Badoglio and Giardino, who have been appointed to assist him.

The “Giornale d’ltalia,” commenting on this, states that the supreme command is no longer confided in one man, but is shared by three.

General Badoglio is 47 years old. He particioatedin the campaign in Africa in 1895-7, and in Libya, and commanded an army corps at Bainsizza. General Giardino is 53 years old. He was some time War Minister, and has been decorated for valour. He served mostly in the Bersaglieri. The Minister for War, in a letter to General Diaz, slates that lie has always recognised his civil and military qualities as being of the highest. His army corps has always been brilliantly led, both in good and ill-fortune. “I send greetings in the name of Italy, which waits and hopes.”

A TERRI BEE FRIGHT. J Reuter’s correspondent at Italian j Headquarters graphically describes the terrible flight of the fugitives owing to the evacuation of the Tagliamento. The arrival of refugees from Gemona caused a fresh flight from Pordenone to Trevisco.

Babies were suffocated in the crush, and mothers suddenly became demented. Aeroplanes attacked the trains which took refuge in tunnels, causing dense smoke clouds to swamp the packed open cars. Children collapsed, and the frenzied mothers were unable to resuscitate them, GIOUTTI RE-APPEARS. A Rome message states' that Senor Giovanni Giolitti, several times Premier oi Italy, who was strongly opposed to Italy’s intervention’ in the war on the side, oi the Allies, has returned to the citv after 2.1 years’ voluntary exile in'his native village. He is the problem of the hour. His political opponents~do not believe that lie is capable of rising to the situation. Great political nervousness is prevailing. The anti-Allied propaganda continues, and it is being unconsciously aided by the critics, who accused Britain and France oi the tardy realisation of the principle of a single front. They do not realise that there was every reason to believe that the Italian front was safe against any possible enemy attack. Only defection amongst the troops, due'to causes that have not yet been fully revealed, could have precipitated'the present situation.