Evening star., 1918-06-26
Embassy Officials See 0p-
portunity for Allies to Fol-
low Up Successes.
GRIPPING OF AUSTRIA
BIG FACTOR IN THE WAR
German Plans Not Disclosed, But
Concentrated Drive on West Front
Regarded Probable.

| Italy is looking forward to more
bitter fighting. The complete rout OF
the Austrian forces. causing losses
which will aggregate about 200, 900, in
Guiding the taking of $4,000 prisoners
while raising the morale of the
Italian army, is looked upon by Ital-
| ian officials here as only a temporary
success.
Officials at the Italian embassy are
of the opinion that more resistance is
to follow in that theater of war and
that with Austria in near condition
of collapse her annihilation to that
point where she would be compelled
to sue for peace could be accomplish
ed more quickly by the transference
of the main theater of war by the
allies from the west front to the
Italian front.
Austrian Morale at Low Ebb.
1t is held that the morale of the Aus
trian troops is almost nil and strong
allied forces switched to the Italian
front would be able more readily to fol-
u
pointed out in this regard that the op-
portunity is at hand to strike decisive
blow at Germany, since the Gripping of
Austria would weaken the Huns.
1t is further contended that the COM
plete failure of the Austrian offensive,
coupled with internal troubles in Aus
tria. has brought about a situation
which calls for big allied action on the
Italian front. The Austrian forces had
been promised. according to letters
found on prisoners by the Italians, that
the Austrian offensive was to close the
war and booty and food were promised
with these goals as their guiding stars.
the Austrians showed exceptional brav-
cry in the short offensive.
Situation Favors the Allies.
Austria's failure to make good the
latest Of many promises made her people
and troops, it is contended, has brought
about a situation in favor of the allies,
provided sufficient forces are rushed to
the aid Of Italy.
News from Italy, while confirming
the great victory won by the Italians
in hurling the Austrian army across
the Piave in disorganized retreat
threw little additional light upon the
extent Of the disaster to the enemy
Until figures are available showing
more fully the loss Of the dual mon.
archy in men and material officials
here hesitated to form opinions as
to the probable effect the defeat will
have on the whole military situation.
On the face of the latest news from
the Italian front. it appeared to many
observers that the Austrian army, as
an offensive weapon, is not to be seri-
ously considered for months to come
1t will take time to repair the dam
age to morale and equipment, even
If the internal situation, produced by
shortage Of food among the civilian
population does not further cripple
Austria's military powers. The dual
monarchy by itself is believed here
to be out OF the fighting for the pres
ent summer.
German Plans Not Disclosed.
What Germany plans to do or will
be able to do to aid her chief ally is
another matter. AS yet there is no
sign of a great movement of German
troops to the Italian front Unless
such a movement is undertaken i'm
mediately, many officers here are con-
WINGED that it will mean that Ger
many intends to seek to save the sit
uation by attempting at once to COM
plete her offensive projects in France.
Premier Lloyd Georges announce
ment yesterday that the world is ION
the eve" of great events was taken In
some quarters here to mean that he
anticipated the delivery by the Ger
mans of their utmost effort in France
within a matter of days. 1t is as
sumed that information has reached
London showing that Germany has
selected the alternative of fighting it
out to the bitter end in France, rather
than forego the advantages of her offen-
sive there while she rushed reserves to
support Austria.
Reports Death Of Noted Aviator.
The Italian embassy has received
cabled reports from Rome One saws
that the body of Maj. Baracca, who is
the premier aviator Of the Italian
forces, and who failed to return dur
ing the first days of the operations.
has been found. He had a bullet in
the right temple. which leads to the
opinion that he was forced to descend
in the enemy's lines because of a
disabled machine and shot himself
rather than be captured
The report adds: The loss of Mai
Baracca is deeply felt in Italy. as he
was the leading aviator of the Italian
army, having to his credit the de-
struction of fifty enemy machines"
An Italian hydroplane succeeded in
setting fire to large Austrian shin
coast. the fire being started BY
bombs dropped from the Italian ma
chimes.
Gen. Diaz has answered Premier
Orlando's message Of congratulations
by thanking him anu saying that the
cooperation of the whole nation as
sures the success Of the country.