Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-06-25
Italian Successes Over
Austrians Likely To
Upset Plans
OPINION OF
AMERICAN
OFFICERS HERE
Full Extent Of Italian Success
Not Yet Apparent-Regard-
ed as Certain That Central
Powers Have Been Dealt
Blow That Will Further
j Shake Morale of People

II Washington. June 24-Germany's
entire offensive program may have
been upset in the opinion of some Of
Ulcers here, by the crushing defeat Of
the Austrians along the Piave river.
II Officials reports reaching Washing
fon bear out the picture of the Aus
itrian disaster given in press accounts
from Italy, although the full extent
Of the Italian success is not yet ap-
parent. 1t is regarded as certain.
however. that the Central Powers
have been dealt u blow that will fur
! they shake the morale of their people
and probabl.- will compel the German
nigh command TO make complete
reimbursement of its plan in France.
Secretary Baker showed the signit-
icance attached here to the defeat {
the Austrians when he dispatched the
following telegram TO the American
ambassador at Rome for transmission
TO the Italian minister of war:
The people Of the United States
are watching with enthusiasm the
splendid exploits of the great army of
Italy in resisting and driving back
the enemy forces which recently I'M
dertook a major offensive on the
Italian front. ! take great pleasure
in rendering my own hearty congra-
tulations and would be most happy to
have Il message Of greeting and con-
graduation transmitted 10 Gen. Diaz
and his brave soldiers"
Mr.. Bakers message was sent be-
fore the Secretary had received adj
ditional reports from the Italian front
showing the increasing scope of the
was srously injured III the fall of
by the fact that the enemy was in re-
treat across the Piavc and before the
news came That the Italians had
smashed up the retreatins foe, MAX
ing the retirement 4 disorganized
rout. There is no doubt here now
that the victory will prove to be one
Of the most decisive in character of
the whole war.
Both at The war department and in
diplomatic circles there was much
speculation as TO tho moves to sup
port Austria already taken by The
German high command. There is lii
tic doubt that reports Of large Ger
man troop movements 10 Italy are
we'll founded. as it is believed tn :
situation must be restored there Mt
all costs unless the whole great of
fensive in France is to fall Of its owi,
weight.
The German problem III rushing
troops to Italy is a difficult enc. Not
only will the withdrawal Of men from
France weaken the whole offensive
effort there AT a time when America,
aid, the arriva, of Italian divisions
and other measures are beginning -
place at Gen. t'och's disposal enough
reserves TO enable him 10 strike hard
at any weakened point. hut the
transportation of sufficient force :"
offset the Italian victory must neces-
sarily be slew.
Secretary Baker pointed out today
that The Italians under Gen. Diaz,
fresh from successful check of the
Austrian advance, took quick and
full advantage Of the rise Of the
Pave behind the enemy. Indications
are that the flower Of the Austrian
AMY, employed in forcing the cross
ing, has been virtually annihilatcd
and the Italians are driving home
their victory relentlessly. Every day
means further disorganization among
the Austrians at the present rate.
German reinforcements must arrive
quickly and III force. many officers
believe. unless the Austrian war ma
chine is TO be crippled for months
10 come. al least.
Continued on Page 8-Coi 81