New-York tribune., 1918-01-08
Continued Raids May Be
Prelude to an Allied
Offensive
Snow Still Holds Foe
Weeks May Elapse Before the
Germans Can Resume Drive
to Venetian Plain

LONDON, Jan. TAT some points
British patrols have forced the Piavc
and caused alarm in the enemy's lines
This statement in the official COM
llunique issued by the Italian War Of
flee tonight is construed by military
critics here as forecasting important
developments on the Piavc front in the
near future. For several days the
British units have shown extraordinary
activity along the middle Piave, time
and again making successful thrusts
across thc river, in cooperation with
French ard Italian ficrs and supported
by the concentrated fire of their own
and their allies batteries.
The wording of tho Italian report
leaves it uncertain whether British
troops now hold positions on the east
crn bank of the Piave, or whether the
operations referred to consisted merely
OF raids into the encmy's lines, from
which the British returned after in
ficting damage and taking prisoners.
1t is possible that they have been able
to maintain their hold on the eastern
bank, in which case they have opened
d wedge in the Austro- German line
which may be widened Immediately
by q strong following-up movement.
Snow Handicaps Teufons
While there has come an end to the
heavy snowstorms of last week, the
Teuton armies on the northern noun
~
the peril which the blocking Of their
main lines of communication presented.
It is extremely doubtful if they now
are, or viii be within weeks, in a posi-
ton to resume their campaign toward
the Venetian plain Added to this is
the menace created by the French oc-
cupation Of the powerful Monte Tomba
position and the threat of further
advance by Fayolle's troops.
With the Teuton army in the north
thus eliminated as serious factor
for the time being, and the italian left
flank securely protected by the French,
1t is but natural that the Anglo-Ital-
ian forces on the Plave should attempt
strong offensive across the river with
the object Of turning the encmy's left
flank.
Decisive Battle Near
This. 1t is believed, is the only way
tho ITALIAN situation can be saved r.
the Invaders are able TO hold the dom
mating positions they now occupy be-
tween the Asiago Plateau and the Upper
Pave during the coming weeks, it is
inevitable that when conditions make
POSSIBLE, the resumption of their major
offensive in the north they will smash
through to the plains and compel the
withdrawal Of the Italian line behind
the Adige and the surrender of Venice
4'reviso and Padua. The Italians and
their allies to-day have the opportunity
to strike the enemy a hard, perhaps a
disastrous, blow. Tomorrow that op-
portunity may be gone. The next
few days should see important develop
ments on the Piave front.
Rome reports increasing activity OF
the northern front to-day North OF
Costalunga Austrian parties wcr,
driven back and pursued by Italian
patrols. who captured prisoners. Or
the Asiago Plateau enemy transport.
and troops on the march were dsor
Sanlzed by the accurate fire OF tn,
Italian guns. Between tho Frenzel;
and Brenta valleys there were violen
concentrations of artillery fire, tn
statement says, and at other points
notably in The Laga rina Valley nea
dor French and British batterie
achieved excellent results against tn
enemy.
In Albania an enemy attack WA
broken up, the communicate adds.