Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-04-30
ACTIVITY ON ITALIAN
RONTFORECASTBY
|. MILITARY STUDENTS
Warn Against Rumors Of
Chaotic Conditions in Austria
as German Propaganda.
SPREAD TO THROW ALLIES
OFF OF DEFENSIVE STAND
Austrian Army Understood to Be
Well Equipped and Promised Ger
man Aid Against Italy.

Both American officers and represent
atives Of the allied powers in Washing.
ton believe that military operations on
the Italian front may be a matter of
but few weeks.
In the event Of certain contingencies
on the western front, it is believed that
the improved weather conditions which
usually come about the middle of May
will see fighting on the Italian frontier
Meanwhile warning was sounded to-
day by persons closely in touch with
conditions in Austria and Italy against
reports being circulated in this country
about chaotic conditions in Austria, pos
sibility Of a revolt among certain ele-
aents or chances Of a separate peace.
i One man, who has been in communica-
tion with Italy. today branded such re-
ports as part Of German propaganda.
1t is the same sort Of propaganda, it
was pointed out, which was circulated
in Italy prior to the successful Austro-
German drive there.
The Italians have had their eyes
opened. They discount any och hope
now. But the Germans, it is held, are
circulating the same sort Of propaganda
I among the allies so they may have only
Italy to cope with If operations are be-
| gun.
Army in Good Condition.
Information has been received here
that the Austrians occupying Italian
territory are being well fed, are well
irsqufpped and are in high spirits. It is
understood they have been promised
+, aid by Germany In 4 renewed drive on
Italy as soon as Germany has concluded
her operations on the western front.
The morale Of this portion Of Austrian
troops, the dangerous portion for Italy.
| IL said never to have been better. Every
effort Is made to inform them in glow
Germans in Flanders and in Picardy.
| Encouraged by Italians.
There are signs of disanection in
! some portions Of Austria This is
| chieny among the Czech-Slovaks.
/; known also as the southern slavs.
| Other elements in Austria are reported
This disaffection among the southern
] slavs. it Is believed. is being encour-
/ aged by the Italians. and also the Brit
! ish and French to a lesser extent. The
! Italians. having seen the possibility Of
with their ready adaptability have
| turned about and are reported to be
employing it effectively for their own
| ends among such Austrians as they can
reach.
An explanation was given on good
/ authority today Of the ready willing
| ness of the Italians to send troops to
the western front. despite the Italian
! expectation Of a resumption Of the Of
| FAN 70
that the Italians do not fear the Aus
| trians alone: they have defeated them
whenever they have met them on the
field Of battle. and their troops in ac-
tive service along the Piave and west
ward are able to hold their own and
send heavy detachments of reserves to
| the western front.
| Continuous Line of Defense.
/ In fact, the Italians are anxious to
send troops there. in order to keep the
Germans engaged, looking upon the
western front. to quote Minister Nitti.
own, and counting the entire French
and Italian fronts as one continuous
Italian line of defense.
| Hence, in the Italian interest alone,
1t is considered good policy to keep
the Germans engaged on the western
front rather than to leave them free
to join with the Austrians in another
lattempted invasion Of Italy.
I II the British are pushed back to the
channel ports. or IL the Germans meet
with any other reasonable success on
the western front, the Italians conf
IDENTIFY expect them to turn their at
Itention to Italy at once. But II the
as there is every hope they will be. 1t
| is considered not unlikely that the
Italians may attempt action on their
own account In an enort to regain
-, in =.
no disaster.
Withdraw to Strong Position.
| Should there be an Austro-German Of
fensive in Italy. it is not expected that
1t will take place on the Piave. II the
Italians could not hold their present
battle line and retain Venice, they
would merely withdraw to the foothills
| Of the Apennines and there their posi-
tions would be practically impregnable.
| Moreover. the evacuation of Venice
would not now have the demoralizing
effect on the Italians 1t would have had
at first, for the population of the city
and of the territory around It, either
have moved out or they are prepared to
do SO.
The entrance Of the enemy into the rich
Industrial regions Of kombardy would be
much more Of blow to Italy. And it is
In that direction that a German-Austrian
blow is expected. II 1t comes. 1t was re-
rushed troops to Italian aid these troops
were not placed in the Piave region. but
on the mountain side Of the Italian line, to
the west, to protect Lombardy.
Would Not Be SO Serious.
Should there be an attack on the east
of the Lake Of Garda. toward Bassano,
the operation would not be SO seriSns for
Italy for then the Italian line might have
to withdraw from the Piave and Venica
would be evacuated But il the drive came
to the west Of Lake Garda. down the
lGiudicaria valley. toward Brescia, there
would be need Of the most vigorous re-
sistance II the Lombardy region were
saved. .
The Italian front now has been
lcleared practically Of German troops.
There are reports, not verified. that
Austrian artillery has been transferred
ITO the western front,