The Daily News. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 1917. THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 11 September 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 11, 1917. THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Tho startling developments of the Italian offensive have placed a different complexion on the progress of the war, and this is emphasised by tho contents of a recent cable message from Rome stating that an Allied War Council is to be held to consider the greatly altered military situation. According to late reports Austrian military circles are considerably perturbed over the brilliant successes of the Italians, whose superiority over tho enemy is obvious. Italian newspapers go so far as to assert that the turning point of the war will take place on the Italian front, and the Austrians' feverish preparations to combat a decisive iblow support this contention. Our Ally, however, seems to be desirous thai there shall be no uncertainty on the matter n nd to make assurance doubly sure it i.as been urged that Britain should lend all the assistance possible to put Austria hors de combat. There is unquestionably considerable force in this proposal, for with Austria put out of action it is impossible to forecast how far-reaching would be tho effect on the Central Powers. It will be noticed that the Austrians realise their peril and are taking steps to toar the way to Vienna, so that the Allies may well consider the possibility of making a vigorous attempt to crush the forces of the Dual Monarchy. In this connection may be called to mind the disinclination of Hungary to carry on the war and the action that Austria is already said to have taken with the object of obtaining a separate peace. The supreme confidence of General Cadorna in the ability of the Italians under him to strike a crushing blow cannot fail to have weight in influencing the Allies in their decision, and the reinforcement of their ranks by the Americans, or a draft of men from the West front, might permit of a cooperative policy to be carried out. Tho 'prize is worth an effort, but only those in supreme command can say whether this attractive programme can be carried out without jeopardising the position on the other fronts. While the Italians were confined to operations amongst the mountainous heights their work was extremely difficult and hazardous, and it was almost impossible to forecast the issue, but although they are still confined on the northern front, they have gallantly overcome the immense obstacles on the Isonzo seotor, and have -broken through the hills northeast of Gorz, and are securing the valley ■of the Vipacco River, when'ce they can outflank the Carso and make for the open country towards Trieste and Liabach. The British havo already been helping tho Italians in their offensive, both on land and sea, in the former case with artillery and in the latter with monitors. The question now is whether further assistance can be given to the bravo Italian army by tho despatch of an appreciable armed force that will help to strike a mortal blow at Austria. It may be assumed that the authorities will do all in their power to strengthen tho Italians, the only question being whether the necessary forces can be spared. There would be no difficulty in transporting an army from France to the Italian front, if the project is deemed to be feasible, and if so, little time 1 would elapse before the reinforcements

were in action. There is something very alluring about such a co-operation, and brilliantly as the Italians have been fighting, they would bo stirred into making supreme efforts when fighting side by side with the British, and the chances are that the war outlook 'would become far more cheering than at any stage of the great struggle. We cannot forget that Italy cut herself adrift from the Central Powers, and it would be the irony of fate if she were to turn the scale against her former allies by putting Austria out of action.