Italy.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 23, 27 May 1915, Page 5

Italy.

ITALIAN SUCCESSES. OCCUPATION OF FRONTIER BASES. AN ACTIVE OFFENSIVE. Cnitiu Pusm Association. (Received 9.45 a.m.) , Rome, May 26.

Official.—ln Trentino we occupied Montogohaw and Ponte Caffaro in the Vnloni Guidicaria and the territory north of Ferrara ; also Monte Braldo, Monte Corne, and Monte Foppiano on the north slope, and Lessino, Pasubio, and Monte Boffelami at the extremities oi the Agno and Leograva Valleys : and also in the high defiles in the Brenta Valley. We occupied all the frontier bases at Cadore, while on the Carnic frontier we won by bayonet attack the Valini-Ferno Pass at the end at Valdeganb. Our aviators bombing the electricity works at the railway station at Moni'alcone.

AUSTRIA'S SIDE OF THE STORY.

PUBLICATION OF DOCUMENTS.

(Received 9 a.m.) Amsterdam, May 26

The Austrian Ministry has published documents dealing with the Aus-tro-Italiaii negotiations, and point out that Austria was not obliged under the Triplice agreement to ask Italy for her consent for diplomatic action against Serbia, which did not mean war, though it could lead to it. The memorandum claims that after the guarantee of certain territorial concessions Austria was ready to continue negotiations and make further concessions, but Italy had not replied to the latest offer and had denounced the Triplice's" treatment.

BRITAIN'S FELICITATIONS AND

THE REPLY.

(Received 12.50 p.m.) London, May 20

-Mr Asquith's message to Signor Salandra paid a tribute to Italy's longstanding attachment and great ideals jj humanity, which the Allies were .struggling to preserve from utter destruction. He felt proud that Italy had joined the Allies. Signer Salandra, in reply,, expressed xiis hopes for the re-establishment of liberty and peace on a basis of respect ror the highest principles of nationality, and stated that Italy would contribute to a speedy realisation of that ideal.

MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

Rome, May 26

A Green Book lias revealed that the immunity of Servia and Montenegro horn attack during the last three mouths was. due to Italy, on February 12, threatening grave consequences if Austria performed any military action in the Balkans without previous agreement with Italy. Twenty Italians living at Meran were shot without trial as spies because a railway bridge was blown up. The Italians are advancing a hundred kilometres to a point where the first contingents penetrated two to tour miles, thus annulling the frontier imposed in ISG6. They captured Cormons Ceroijnano, an important gain i,o the Italians. The Austrians are burning property and destroying public buildings in the part of the Trentino likely to fall into Italian hands.

A destroyer bombarding Barletta flew the British flag several times. The Italian squadron pursued and seriously damaged the destroyer. The Giornale D'ltalia urges Italians to accustom themselves to raids on die Adriatic coast, but the Italian deet is sufficiently strong to avenge them.

Shells were fired on unfortified owns.

The King is going to General Cadnna's headquarters, and intends to share the ordinary rations of the army.

Times and Sydney Sun Skbvici

London, May 25

Home reports that Italy is publishing further official documents to prove .hat Austria throughout was only scheming to gain time. Italy is mobUsing all men from the age of 20 to !> 'years, before Tuesday.

Military experts state that the Italians have massed on a point most kingdom to Austria, and which will most effectually ensure dcmoralisition. It is reported the Pope will studiously maintain the Vatican's neutrally, permitting Italian Catholics to act n accordance with their own sentini'iits. Italians, irrespective of party, ave full confidence in tin? Cabinet. All hospitals and convents on the rentier have been evacuated. Many if the Tyrolese suspected of sympathy nth Italy were arrested and taken in Vustria as hostages. It is reported that German troops, villi Zcpeplins and sonic of the heavi>st artillery, are concentrated in the Vdige valley, ready to strike. It is iclieved the plan of campaign will he in immediate Austro-Gennan offen:ive, in an attempt to invade Italy. 'n the event of failure they will be ■ititent to remain on the defensive. The opinion is held at Koine that inly a limited number of Austrian and German troops are available, including many of the second and third lines, who will lie pitted against fresh and enthusiastic Italians, and the ofl'cniive is likely to collapse.