Bisbee daily review., 1918-06-25
ITALIAN DRIVE
 MAY UPSET ALI
 CERhANY'S PLANS
American Observers T hink That Loss of Ground by Austria Will Have Effect Both Moral and Material
Rv Review Leased yvIre,


 WASHINGTON. June 24-Ger- many's entire offensive program may have been upset. in the opinion oc some officers here. by the crushing defeat of the Austrians along the Piave river.
 Official reports reaching Washing ton bear out the picture of the Aus trian diseaster given in press accounts from Italy. although the full extent of the Italian success is not yet apDarent. l. is regarded as certain the Central rowers have been dealt blow that will further shake the morale Of their people and probably will compel the German high command to make a com Dlete readjustment of its plans in France.
 Secretary Baker showed the signinL canoe attached here to the defeat of the Austrians when he dispatched a telegram today to the American am- bassadoT at Rome for transmission to the Italian minister of war.
 Mir. Bakers message was sent be- fore the secretary had received Sddi- tiOnal reports from the Italian frOnt showing the increasing scope of the Austrian disaster It was prompted by the fact that the enemy was in retreat across the Piave and before the news came that the Italians had smashed up the retreating foe. makine the retirement a disOrsanized 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. The secretary's cablegram ad- dressed to Ambassador Page follows:
 "The people of the United States are watching with enthusiasm and admir- ation the splendid exploits of the great army of Italy in resisting and drivin- back the enemy forces which recently undertook a major offensive on the Italian front. I take great pleasure in rendering my own hearty cOngratu- lations and would be most happy 10 have a message O. greeting and con gratulations transmitted to General DiaZ and his brave soldiers"
 Army officers agreed with the view expressed by MT. Baker that the de- feat could not help but influence grear- ly the co"rse of events in France It Is regarded as vital from the German point of view that the Italian front De
 
 France can be prosecuted to their full est development While there is immi- nent danger that the AustrO-HunEarion government may collapse. Germany cannot devote herself wholly to the task she has undertaken by forcing victory in the west before American man power can swing the scales fin ally against her.
 For this reason. both at the war department and in diplomatic circles there is must speculation as 10 the moves to support Austria already taken by the German high cOmmani. There is little doubt that reports Of large German troop movements tc Italy are well founded. as it is be- lieved the situation must be restored there at all costs unless the whole great offensive in France is to tall of its own weight
 Secretary Baker pointed orr today that the Italians took full advaptaso o- the rise of the Piave behind the enemy. Indications are that the floV IT of the Austrian army has been virtu- ally annihilated and the Italians are driving home their victory Telentlessly. Every day means further disorganiza- tion among the Austrians. At least present rate. German endorsements must arrive quickly end in force. many officers believe. unless the Austrian war machine is to be crippled at least for months to come.
 Meanwhile official reports show the fContinr,ad on Page TvVOl