GENERAL MAURICE.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 June 1918, Page 2

GENERAL MAURICE.

NEWS BETTER AND BETTER. INTERESTING COMMENT. [PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. COPTBIwHT.] (Received This Day, at 12.10. a.m.) LONDON June 24. General Maurice says the nows from the Italian front is better and better. Tho Allies have every reason to feel cheered and encouraged by the stubborn defence which lias successfully foiled Austria’s greatest effort, and left the enemy with only a fow miles of marshy, low land and a precarious footing on Montello ridge, in exchange for long casualty lists. But tlie latest information shows that General Diaz has passed from defence to attack, and is in a fair way to convert defeat into disaster.

Premier Sonnino recently stated that General Diaz has employed only a small part of his available reserves in holding up the enemy attacks. General Maurice added—lt is now evident that he has been able to bring into action some of the remainder of his reserves, under most favourable conditions. The Piave is a mountain river which, when it enters the plain opens out to an average width exceeding a mile. Normally it is of little value, as a military obstacle in summer, hut heavy rain in the mountains completely changes the character. The Italians cut the timber along the upper courses, and when the river rises, these form battering rams which no temporary military bridge is able to withstand. If any escaped they have been a target for the airmen. -Therefore it is impossible to relieve or reinforce the Austrian's on the right hank, who are only fed or supplied with ammunition with the greatest difficulty, if at all. The Italian counter attack was delivered just at the right moment, and met with very real success. If the promise of tho latest report matures, as there is every reason to expect, then it -will bo a golden opportunity for the Allied propaganda and diplomacy.