ITALY’S FIRST LINE.

Taihape Daily Times, Volume 7, Issue 252, 15 July 1915, Page 3

ITALY’S FIRST LINE.

From the Italian frontier, \lh Paris, the New’ York Herald’s correspondent cabled last month: --

Italy to-day has 1,200 000 first line soldiers toiler arms. They nr« frmn 20 to 26 years old. They are perfectly armed and equipped. General Zupclli, the Italian Minister for War, speaking on the military situation in Italy, said that a mivuelo had been accomplished in that a country which for about twenty years had maintained a military organisation merely for the preservation of peace had created what lie termed ano of the most perfect of war machines- The change was not easy, Gcenral Zupelli said, as was proved wherever the same work was attempted. Great Britain, for example, had faced the same problem and, though possessing greater resources, was even less prepared than Italy. The War Minister said the '‘’equipment of the army with weapon* was superior proportionately to that of the German army at the beginning of the war. Eagerness of the soldiers concentrated along the frontier to begin action is so groat that their officers are obliged to hold them closely in chock, for fear of disturbing border residents. In view of the extensive preparations which have been made, the question is askd with increasing frequency why Italy does not enter the war. Then in a position to speak with authority say that a majority of the people prefer and the Government still hopes to obtain territorial concessions from Austria without rupture of friendly rela- 1 tions. Relations With Other Nations. A Romo despatch said about the same time:— The Messagero says that Mr. Michael de Giiers, the new Russian Ambassador to Italy, is delaying his arrival in Rome because of his desire before leaving Pctrograd to,- arrange with his own Government for the concluding of a thorough agreement between Russia and Italy, not only concerning Italy's intervention in the war, but with regard to Italy’s position when peace is reached. The Messagero adds that an almost perfect accord continues to exist between Italy and Roumania, and that, j therefore, Italy’s neutrality is r.p----j proching its end, although nobody can set the day that Italy will; enter upon hostilities. | "Wo would be blind still to hope ; for a good result from the Vienna .conversations, ’ ’ the Messagero continues. .'•'Thu- has been a. dilatory game. ft was proposed by Prince yon Billow, the ; German Ambassador, and accepted by Austria and Italy because for varlonr reasons both countries considered It convenient to postpone the day c reckoning,”