THE ATTACK ON ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 15 November 1917, Page 3

THE ATTACK ON ITALY.

VIEWS OF ALLIED PRESS. CONFIDENCE IN VICTORY London, Nov. 1. Intense "sympathy ami anxiety for Italy prevails among the western 'allies. The fall of Gorz is not alarming, as the town was never securely held, the occupation depending on" the Kalians' tenure of the heights dominating (he valley, in which the Austrian* always maintained themselves within three miles of the city. The Italians evacuated it in. the night, the Anstrians entering it at dawn. The immensity of the Austro-Oerman concentrations- surprised the allies because the Russians have ceased raiding and reconnoitring, and had failed to detect the disappearance of the divisions. There is widespread faith in Cadorna's strategy and in (he sufficiency of his troops to stem the advance.

Colonel Repington, the Times Military correspondent, states that tioueral Cadorna has known for some time that the enemy was preparing an offensive, taking advantage of the passivity of the Russian army (o transfer from the Galician theatre troops to the Italian /ront. The Germans have stiffened the specially created 14th German army with a nnm'.;:r of good lighting diviCadorna probably welcomes the offensive this season, as he has ample strength to defeat it, in solid, well-de-fended lines, and with superior artillery He is certain to make the enemy pay dearly, and if assistance is needed the allies will promptly render it. The whole of the west front is now one, ana arrangements have been made for mutji. al assistance when necessary. We all stand behind Italy in this affair, and can afford to send one division for every German division. As long as we fight the, Germans it does not matter to°us where. Italy has a splendid opportunity to teach Germany and her dupes a much-needed lesson.

The allies are sending important support to Italy. The British Government has already taken steps to render the fullest possible assistance. The relit Parisien states that France is despatching all possible reinforcements to Italy. Berlin is intent on the Italian offensive, claiming that it will hasten peace. The Kaiser has ordered a school holiday and flags throughout the Empire. French commentators compare Italy's difficulties with those of .loffre after Charleroi. The Tetit Parisien regrets the victory, because it will raise many's lowered morale. Le Journal states that the disaster is due to Italy's insufficiency in artillery. Germany silently collected great masses of shock troops, making the most of the surprise, and relying on the pillboxes and the mud to hold up British and French attacks. M. Marcel Hutin is confident that Cadorna will rout the enemy before his semi-political objectives ' have been obtained.

The Austrians are rejoicing. They claim that the successes have ensured Trieste's position, and removed the Ereatest pnxiety since i}\<} declaration of war, and have increased the hopes of a speedy and honourable peace. Vienna reports that thousands of tons of munitions and equipment, with reinforcements, were brought during the night along a skilful network of concealed roads. The infantry's first rapid, decisive blow across the precipitous heights surprised positions which the Italians regarded as impregnable. The special correspondent of the Express states that it is possible that the Second and Third Italian Armies are falling back upon the Tagliamento River—a serioits military obstacle at this season of the year.