THE ITALIAN OFFENSIVE

Levin Daily Chronicle, 2 October 1917, Page 4

THE ITALIAN OFFENSIVE

SIR D. HAIG'S CONGRATULATIONS. The text of the telegrams exchanged between Sir Douglas Haig and General Cadoma, Commander-in-Chief of the Italian Army, upon the success of the recent offensive on the Carso, has been received by Mr J. H. Pagni, Consul for Italy at Auckland.

The following is a copy of the telegram received by General Cadorna from Sir Douglas Haig:—"The entire army under my command is united with me in presenting their cordial felicitations for the magnificent success recently achieved by the courageous Italian troops on the Carso. Such magnificent successes will, without doubt, contribute in a most efficient manner to the general advance of the allied armies in all the fronts. The bril-liantly-thought-out plans and the splendid success with which they were carried out against such strong resistance on the most difficult ground, have revived the greatest admiration, and we are indeed pleased that our batteries have had the privilege of participating in your victory. Their presence is a symbol of the united determination of Italy, Great Britain, and the other allies of pushing the war on all the fronts to a final victory. Will you please convey to your gallant troops the kind regards of all my soldiers and to accept my felicitations and best wishes for continual successes?"

General Cadorna replied as follows

—"On behalf of myself and my troops now fighting, I beg to thank you for your kind felicitations on the occasion of our recent victory. I am pleased to say that in the midst of the artillery's thunder on the Carso and Isonzo, the enemy has been able to hear the powerful voice of the British guns, which is meant as a token to the enemy of undivided brotherhood of the allied nations' arms. Italy always remembers the British sympathy and friendship shown since the beginning of the cause for the Italian independence. I am pleased to see that to-day she (Italy) is fighting the biggest battle for the realisation of her unity, and for the liberty of all peoples; and this testimony of co-operation is a solid guarantee of a final victory."