Norwich bulletin., 1918-05-06

Over the battle lines at the Piave river and in the mountainous region in northern Italy, where the allied forces have been holding their posi- tions since last November, after the great Italian retreat from the Isonzo, there is increased tension and the long-threatened blow at this front may be launched by the Teutonic allies within d few days. For many weeks the Italian war office has been aware that the Austrians have been gather ing the legions withdrawn from the Russian and Rumanian fronts for drive at the Italian armies, and it is believed that it will not be long before the central powers will make another attempt 10 reach the plains of Venetia break through the allies lines and seek 10 bring about a decisive combat in that theatre of the war.
 Emperor Charles at the Front.
 Emperor Charles of Austria, accom- panied by his chief of staff and high German and Austrian army officers, IS reported on his way to the Italian front, and the great movement O. troops in Iyrol and Trentino would seem to indicate that vast bodies o1 men are being taken from other fronts Co be hurled at the Italian positions.
 The blow, 1t is generally believed, will fan somewhere in the mountain GUS section of the front, probably in the 1aEarino and Astico valleys Thess sectors face the north and. if broken would permit the foe 10 penetrate into the lower foothills of the mountains. or even reach the plaiuS. If this shoul occur the armies along the Piave river would be compelled to fall back, probably as far as the Adige river. This would entail the loss of Venice and a vast expanse of country to the enemy.
 The decision to launch an offensive of grand proportions in Italy was dougtless forced by political and eco homie conditions prevailing in Austria. An offensive campaign that yields gains of ground might serve to still Inc elements which are seethins throughout the dual empire and would postpone the day of reckoning for the rulers of Austria.
 German domination of Austria is be- coming more complete as time goe1 on. Tyrol and Bohemia have been an neyed, for food administration pur- poses. 10 Germany, but this move ir the great game of Statecraft has served only to deepen the chasm between thc racial factions Of Austria. Bohemian troops have deserted from the Austrian armies and have joined the Italians and if an offensive is not launched Generalization of the Austrian forces may come sooner than the outsidt world expects.
 Quiet in France and Flanders.
 In the meantime the situation on the front in France and Flanders has re- mained fairly quiet. There have beer local attacks by the Germans here anC all 41xa lrsN preaching a general battle has beer reported. The allies are improving their lines and are awaiting for tn; Germans to make the next move.
 Pope Benedict has served notice OF the world that the vatican will not bC a party to any peace offensive at tn, present time" It is believed that Der lin win seek to bring abou German peace" and, if its advances are re pulsed, to nerve the German people t a new bath of blood" by pointing ou that the allies desire to crush Ger many. Pope Benedict has let it b, known that he is desirous of takin, any step which may tend to shorter the war, but he does not see at tn present moment any reason to believ that an appeal would bring about tn desired results.
 The situation in Ukraine and tn ruthless methods being followed b the Germans in completing the sub Jugation of the people have been It. fiected in an address by Vice Chan cellor Won Payer before the main com mittee of the German reichstag. Afte detailing the measures adopted for SC curing supplies of grain from Ukrain and the discontent and unrest anon the people there, the vice chancello in referring to leaders of the Ukrain fans, made the significant statemer that the Germans took steps to ren der them harmless"