The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-06-25

Secretary Baker showed the signifi- canoe attached here to the defeat of the Austrians when he dispatched the follow. ing telegram today to the American ann bassador at Rome for transmission to tho Italian minister of war:
 CONGRATULATES ITALIANS
 Secretary Baker today cabled the American ambassador at Rome for trans- initial tc he Italian government his con- gratlulations upon the victory of the Italian army over the Austrians He said:
 The peoplpe of the United States are watching with enthusiasm and admira- tion the splendid exploits of the great army of Italy in resisting and driving back the enemy forces which recently undertook | major offensive on the Ital- ian from. I take great pleasure in ten dering my own hearty congratulations and would be most happy to have a mes sage of greeting and congratnlatfon transmitted to General Diax and his brave soldiers"
 TREM ENDOUS INFLUENCE
 Army officers agreed with the view expressed by Mir. Baker that the defeat could not help hut influence greatly ena course of events in France, 1t is re- garded as vital from the German poin; of view that the Italian front may be made secure before German designs III France can be prosecuted to their fullest development. While there is imminent danger that the Austro- Hungarian gov ernment may collapse, Germany cannot devote herself wholly othe task she has undertaken of forcing victory in the west before American man power can swing the scales finally against her.
 For this reason, both at the war de- partment and in diplomatic circles there was much speculation as to the moves to support Austria already taken by the German high command. There is little doubt that reports of large German troop movements to Italy are well founded as it is believed the situation must be re- stored thero at all costs, unless the whole great offensive in France is to fall of it's own weight.
 GERMAN PROBLEM
 The German problem of rushing troops to Italy Is difficult one. Not only will the withdrawal of men from France weaken the whole offensive effort there at a time when American aid, the arrival of Italian divisions and other measures are beginning to place at General Foch's disposal enough reserves to enable him to strike hard at any weakened point. but the transportation of sufficient force to offset the Italian victory must necessarily be slow.
 Secretary Baker pointed out that the Italians under General Diaz. fresh from successful check of the Austrian ad- vances, took quick and full advantage of the rise of the Piave behind the en- emy Indications are the flower of the Austrian army, employed in forcing tho crossing, has been virtually annihilated and the Italians are driving home their victory relentlessly. Every day means further disorganization among the Aus trans at the present rate German rein foi cements must arrive quickly and in force. many officers believe. unless the Austrian war machine is to be crippled for months to come. at least.
 FOOD SITUATION
 Meanwhile official reports show the growing seriousness of the food rioting in Austria. The people apparently are in no condition to stand a great mili- tary reverse such as they now face. lm- mediate German action to support her ally seems absolutely necessary in the view of officials here. unless the back
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