CADORNA'S CONFIDENCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1917, Page 9

CADORNA'S CONFIDENCE.

MANY HARD KNOCKS TO GIVE. DIFFICULTIES OF CAMPAIGN 1 . London, May 28. Describing the operations on the Carso and Isonzo front, Mr. Keith Murdock, representative of the United Cable service, says the Valley of Gorz divides the great battlefield into two rugged, mountainous sectors, each about ten miles long. In each sector are peaks, which the Italians are gradually outflanking and capturing. This process, -when complete, will compel the Austrians to evacuate the valley, and bring General Cadrona a considerable step nearer to Trieste. These mountainous parts are more i like the rougli left flank of the Australian position at Gallipoli than any European battlefield.

It has been remarkable to see the Italian infantry—little black dots like ants on a mound—scaling a hill, or gathering under shell-fire for the attack. During theße moments the Austrian gunners have poured all available shrapnel upon the attackers, and throughout the offensive have maintained shell-fire on the back lines, using many naval guns and heavy howitzers. But compared with the British and .French fronts the Austrian artillery lire this week-end was lighter, indicating a withdrawal of many guns. N ln these regions the shells burst with a wide and shattering effect, and frequently, even on the Carso, dislodge great rocks, which tumble to the bottom of the gorges. _ At his simple headquarters to-day Count Cadrona received inc. He expressed his pleasure at meeting an Australian for the first time on the Italian front. When I referred to his newest triumph he sajd delightedly that he had many hard knocks to give yet. This expressed tfie spirit of the man. He is an aggressive, strong fighter, wiry and alert —a smiling little man, with lightning speed of thought and decision and action.

. There will 'be long and hard fighting .before Trieste falls, but I have not seen 'any soldiers more confident, brighter, happier, or fresher than the Italians. General Cftdorna has the Austrians wondering where the next blow will fall, for his offensive armies are well scattered. I went to-day to the outer Carso, and saw evidence of the desperate nature of the fighting...,- The losses on both sides were numerous, but owing to the ma-chine-gun fire and injuries caused by reek-splinters there is an extraordinarily •high percentage of slightly wounded there. I found in hospitals and prison 'encampments ample proof that General Cadorna exacted from the Austrians a heavier price than he paid.