The Oskaloosa herald., 1918-08-29
FACTS ABOUT THE
CzECHO -SLOvAkS
IMPORTANT AIDES TO ITALY
AND THE ALLIES
FIGHT WITH ITALIAN ARMIES
Desert Austrian Side by the Thous-
and--GiVe Valuable information
Scatter Propaganda-Thirty
Thousand Now in italy.
(By Judge Ben b, Lindsey


Washington, D. c., Aug. 24.-Dur-
ing my recent visit to Italy / heard
constantly about the Czecho Slovaks
and the aid they are giving to the
Italian army. This was a matter
of the greatest interest to me. AL
though knew something about
the dauntless vigor of these brave
people, | had not appreciated the
Importance of the work they are do
ing for the Italians and for all the
allied forces.
first encountered a number of the
Czecho-Slovak soldiers one morning
in Captain Merriam's office in Rome.
When they came in, could not help
noticing them because of their gal
liant bearing and splendid physique.
] inquired who they were and was
told that they were frequent visitors
In Captain Merriam's office, and that
they were rendering" valuable aid in
carrying propaganda among the Aus
trian forces. They have also given
important information to the Italian
general staff, and have supplied data
which proved extremely useful in
turning the recent Austrian offensive
into a complete fiasco.
Leave Austrian Ranks.
After this, saw good many
Czecho-Slovak soldiers, both in Rome
and on the Italian battle front. And
! must say that ! saw no finer. more
soldierly fellows in all my trip
through Europe. The holiness they
have shown in leaving the, Austrian
ranks is really amazing. Thorough
ly convinced that Austria-Hungary
has no other purposes toward the
Czecho- Slovak people than to Cypress
and exploit them, the Czechs in the
Austrian army have deserted whole
sale and joined the Italian forces. On
one single day, so was told, as many
as 1000 Czecho-Slovaks deliberately
left the Austrians and entered the
Italian camp. The total number Of
Czecho- SioVaks now in Italy, in;
Guiding 10000 soldiers, was as
sured was not far short of 10000.
with all sorts of military information.
They were able to tell the Italians
much about the Austrian plans of at
tack prior TO the launching of the Of
fcnsive. The Italians knew the day
and in some cases even the exact
hour at which certain Austrian move
mentS were to be launched. Their
victories on the Piave, in which the
cooperation of the CZechOhSlovaks
was q big item, have gone far to
console the Italians for the bitter
events of CapOrettO.
Carry Propaganda.
Besides actually fighting for the
allies, the Czecho-SlOvaks have been
assiduously spreading allied propat
ganda through the Austrian armies.
lust how they are able to do this !
10 not know, but they undoubtedly
have some sort of underground rail
road. Some of the material has been
dropped from balloons and aerCS
planes. II Is well known that the
entire Austrian army is well perme-
ated with Czechs influences and the
Czech are now unreservedly united
against the Central Powers. The
morale of the Austrian army is at
very low ebb just now. From what
| saw and heard, believe that If it
were today possible to spare troops
from the western front and guarantee
them reserves and equipment, sue
cessful offensive could be launched
against Austria this fall and the Dual
Monarchy could be effectually put
out of the war. With Austria out
of it, the war could be ended a year
sooner