Evening journal., 1918-06-14
AUSTR|AkS MASSED
ON TWO FRONTS
$4,000 Men on Piave Line;
Germans and Turks Sent
TO Help Attack Venice

fBy Newspaper Enterprise Association
LONDON, June ii.-Where will the
Germans strike neXt2
Ever since the drive in Picardy was
stopped there have been indications
that they were planning for a terrific
offensive in Italy with Austrian, Ger
man and Turkish armies engaged.
Thus far this plan has not material
lied, but the evidences that the Ger
mans are preparing TO launch a great
blow on the Italian front are increas-
Ing.
Austria is reported 10 be massing
large bodies OF troops along the Piavt
river front for a drive OR the Venetian
plain. One estimate Of the size Of this
army places it at GO divisions, or 12O,-
700 men.
From Switzerland come reports that
Austrian troops are being moved to-
ward the front along the Alps, which
forms the northern part Of the line.
Al St Elvie pass, where the Austrian,
italian and Swiss borders meet. the
Teuton garrison has been strengthened
while huge masses Of troops have been
observed on the march souihward from
Bozen and Trent
Turks Sent TO Front.
German Uhlans and Turkish cavalry
have been sent 20 the front, which
seems TO indicate plans for sweeping
drive.
italian avlators flying over the Aus
trian lines report unwonted activity be
hind the front in preparation ior the
coming conflict.
The concentration OF troops In the
Trentino and along the Pave oners
the possibility Of a big double drive
against the Italians.
The first could take place along tne
Piave river from the Adriatic north
west 10 Roverto and Lake Gards. Ihis
line proved the obstacle the Austrlans
could not overcome in their great ad-
vance last fall.
Behind the line OF the Piave, which
leads the way TO the plains Of north--
ern Italy the Italians have several
strong defensive positions. some OF
which are now defended by French and
British troops, as we'll as a small de-
lachment Of Americans.
There are three rivers which form
natural barriers TO = Teuton advance.
The first is the Brenis, from 20 to ~
miles from the Pisve. Win no great
military sacrifice the Italians could iall
hack 10 this line If they were driven
rom The Piave. Il would, however IN,
volve the fall 81 Venice. which would
nrove A great blow TO the civilization
M the world. although from mill
tary viewpoint it would not serlousl!
impair the situation.
.diae Strongest Line.
The second defense line IS along tn'
valley OF the Adige, which IS proDa
bly Italy's strongest position. II Wa
10 this river that it was expected tn'
Italians would retreat during the bat
ne Of last fall, but they surprised the
world BY stopping the Huns on th'
Piaye.
Behind the Adige Is still the River Po
which is nearly as formidable as line
Of defense as the Adige. To fall Dach
thus far. however, would compel th'
Italians 10 evacustc the whole OF tho
plains Of northern Italy.
The second possible line OF attack lies
along the Italian border in the noun
fsins. with its center resting on Lake
Gards. A drive along this front would
have as its objective the cutting OF t't
principsl lifeline Of the Italian armies
the railroad from Milan to Nicen7a
The distribution or munitions ana sup
plies Ia the front depends on THIS road
with its subsidiaries.
FamOus I'm History.
Tho capture Il this line would serve
the same purpose o. an advance alohs
The Piave froat, with the eXpend'iur'
Of smaller forces and less severe l2sse'