Arizona republican., 1918-06-25
Victory Most Decisive


 Victory Most Decisive
 MT. Bakers message was sent before the secretary had received additional reports from the Italian front showing the increasing scope of the Austrian disaster. It was prompted by the fact mat the enemy was in retreat across the PlaVe and before the news came that the Italians had smashed up the retreating foe, making the retirement a dlsorganized rout. There is no doubt here now that the victory will prove to De one of the most decisive in charac- ter Of the whole war.
 The secretary's cablegram, addressed to Ambassador Page, follows:
 TEXT OF CABLEGRAM
 The people of the United States
 are watching with enthusiasm and
 admiration the splendid exploits of
 the great army of Italy in resist
 ing and driving back the enemy
 forces which recently undertook a
 major offensive on the Italian front
 take great pleasure in rendering
 my own hearty congratulations
 and would be most happy to have
 message of greeting and conqrat-
 uiatIons transmitted to General
 OIaz ard his brave soldiers" Will Handicap Germany
 Army officers agreed with the view expressed by Mir. Baker that the defeat could not help but influence greatly the course Of events in France. It is regarded as vital from the German poInt Of view that the Italian front ha made secure before German designs in france can be prosecuted to their fuIIa est development. While there is immi- nent danger that the Austro- -Hunoar ian government may collapse, Germany c"nnot devote herself wholly to the task she has undertaken of forcing victory In the west before American man power can swing the scales finally against her.
 Germany Rushing to Aid
 TOT thls reason, both at the war de> paIlment and in diplomatic circles there was much speculation as to tho moves to support Austria already taks en by the German high command There is little doubt that reports of large German troop movements in Italy are well founded, as it is believed the situation must be restored there at all costs unless the whole great offensive Tn france IS to fall of it's own weight.
 Weaken Huns West Front l The German problem in rushine troops to italy is difficult one. Nor only will the withdrawal of men from france weaken the whole offensive effort there at a time when America n aid and the arrival of Italian divisions are beginning to place at General toch.s disposal enough reserves to en- able him to strike hard at any weaken ing point, but the transportation of a sufficient force to offset the Italian victory must necessarily be slow.
 Italians Up and Doing i Secretary Baker pointed out today that the Italians took full advantage Of the rise of the Piave river behind the enemy. Indications are that the flower of the Austrian army has been virtually annihilated and the Italians are driving home their victory relent iessly. Every day means further dis organlzation among the Austrians. At the present rate, German reinforce ments must arrive quickly and in force many officers believe. unless the Aus trlan war machine is to be crippled al least for months to come.
 Food Riots Are Serious
 Meanwhile official reports show the growing seriousness of food riots 1T Austria. The people apparently are ir no condition to stand a great militar, reverse. Immediate German action tt support her ally seems absolutely nee. essary in the view of officials here. un. less the back door to Berlin itself is tt be left unguarded.
 One-Man Control Counts There have been many signs recent, that General Foch was rapidly gettint into shape strong reserve force. Tn, employment of the American and Ital ian divisions has served to releas Cor NeN 11,, bilitation. There are indications, also that the effect of British man-powe legislation is being felt at the front The divisions which suffered severel, , in the German assaults apparent, have been out of the line for som r time. The recent successful resistance . of the Italians near Reims was in DO sitions formerly held by these Britisl units.
 Huns May Go on Defensive
 Whether General Foch is prepared t , take advantage of the diversion cause, by the Austrian disaster cannot b foretold. Some observers here includ ing Italian officials believe that tn , situation on the Italian front is S grave for the Germans that they vii be compelled to transfer their mail operations to that theater. leaving onl, defensive forces in the west. Some officials here. however, expec the Germans to hit hard in Franco il ; order to cover whatever steps they ar . compelled to take for the relief of Aus [ tria. Repeated blows along the allie, front, it is argued, would tend to keel General Foch from inaugurating al t inter allied offenseve in Italy ant might impede plans for a great coua ter drive in France