Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-05-09
Many Thousands Of Emperor
Charles Former Subjects
Entering italian Army.
SUPPLIES SENT FORWARD
BY ENGLAND AND FRANCE
Quiet at Present Prevailing Along
Front Deemed Certain to Be
Broken Soon.

Italian forces facing the Austrian
army are making vigorous preparations
to resist the forthcoming drive Austria
is believed to be planning against Italy.
Some phases of this preparation are
unique.
Large numbers Of prisoners held in Italy
who are subjects of the oppressed pro-
vinces Of Austria have signified their de-
sire to fight with the Italian army-these
are being released. equipped and put into
the field.
Not only is their military value counted
of benefit to the allied cause, but espe-
cially effective. the Italians believe, will
be their example upon the Czech Slavs.
Jago-Slavs, Croatians. Bohemians and
other discontented elements within Aus
tria which are making considerable trou-
BILE for the Austrian element which re-
fleets German militiaristic ambitions.
Only Temporary Lull.
Reports received from various sources
indicate that the cessation Of Austrian
activity, reported about a week ago when
their artillery was booming all along the
Italian line. is but temporary. One ex-
PLANTATION is that the Austrians found by
this sounding out process that the Italian
army was better organized and better able
to put up a strong fight than they had
believed.
It is probable that weather conditions,
which are bad for fighting at this season.
may have caused the Austrians to post
pone their offensive until later in the
month.
Recently more than $4,000 Ruman-
for service with the Italian army. Near
ly 10000 troops from Pennsylvania and
Bukowina have entered the allied
forces under italian colors. From $4,000
equipped. and there also are about
10000 Bohemians and an unknown
number of Croatians who are ready to
fight against Austria.
Italy Getting Supplies.
Behind the equipment. clothing and
feeding these troops is an interesting
story, which bears evidence Of the more
general allied cooperation. When
Italy turned over vessels to be used as
transports in helping to send Ameri-
can troops abroad, England and France
undertook to supply raw materials and
finished prOQuCtS TO meet the Italian
war needs. Hitherto Italy had drawn
largely upon the United States for
these supplies.
But England and France have de-
veloped industries to a point where they
have been able to relieve a consider
able burden on ocean tonnage so far
as the transportation Of finished prod
ucts is concerned. They are getting
raw materials from the United States
and manufacturing these materials into
articles they need. Italy is getting her
share Of this output, and by this means
she not only has been able to rehabili-
tate her own forces, which eorely
needed certain supplies following the
Austrian advance of last fall, but also
to equip the former Austrian nationals
who have Joined the allied cause.
None to Be Captured.
Further confirmation Of the determine
ton to carry out the oaths many of the
Bohemian and Slavic troops have taken
not to fall into the hands Of the Austrians
alive has been received here. They are
arming themselves with revolvers, SO that
they may carry out. that part of their
pledge by which they bound themselves
to commit suicide rather than be taken
prisoners.
It is probable that every effort is being
made to spread the news in the dual en-
pire of the alignment Of these peoples
with tho allies. and 1t is considered not
improbable that one effect will be to
cause. many Of the oppressed races in
to decline to light
against their own kind.