Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-06-25
By Morning journal Special Leased Wire,

Austrian disaster. 1t 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 retreatlng foe, making the re-
tirement a disorganized rout. There
Is no doubt here that the victory will
prove TO be one of the most decisive
in charcter of the whole war.
The secretary's cablegrah addressed
to Ambassador Page follows
The people of the United States
are watching with. enthusiasm and
admiration the splendid exploits OF the
great army OF Italy in resisting and
driving back the enemy forces which
recently undertook a major offensive
on the Italian front. take grAat
pleasure in rendering my own hearty
congratulations and would be most
happy to, have a message of greeting
and congratulations transmitted to
General Diaz and his brave soldiers"
Defeat Blow to Germany.
Army officers agreed with the view
expressed by Mr., Baker that the de-
leat could not netp but influence
greatly the course Of events in France.
1t Is REGARDED as vital from the Ger.
man point of view that the Italian
front be made secure before German
designs In France can be prosecuted
to their fullest development. While
there Is imminent danger that the
Austro- Hungarian government may
collapse, Germany cannot devote her
SELF wholly to the task she has under
taken OF forcing victory In the west
before American man-power can
swing the scales finally against her.
For this reason, both at the war de-
paftment and in diplomatic circles
there was much speculation as to the
moves to support Austria already
taken by the German high command.
lhere is little doubt that reports of
German troop movements to Italy are
wen rounded, as 1t is believed the alt
uation must be restored there at all
COSTS unless the whole great offensive
IN France is to fall of its own weight.
Troop Movements Difficult.
me German problem in rushing
troops to Italy is a difficult one. Not
only Will the withdrawal of men from
france weaken the whole offensive
eilort there at a time when American
ana the arrival of Italian divlsions
ana other measure are beginning &c
pace at General Foch's disposal
enough reserves to enable him 10
strike hard at any weakened polnt.
put the transportation of a sufficient
force to offset the Italian victory must
necessarily be slow.
Secretary Baker pointed out today
that the Italians took full advantage
of the rise of the Piave behind the
enemy. Indications are that the
iloWer OF the Austrian army has been
virtually annihilated and the Italians
are driving home their victory relent-
lessly, Every day means further dis
organization among the Austrians. AZ
the present rate German reinforce.
ments must arrive quickly and In
force, many officers believe, unless
the Austrian war machine is to be
crippled at least for months to come.
Food Riots Are Increasing.
I Meanwhile official reports show
the growing seriousness of food riots
III Austrla. Ihe people apparently
ARE in no condition to stand a great
military reserve. Immediate German
action TO support her ally seems alb
solutely necessary in the view OF Of
ficials here. unless tuberculosis, door
to Berlin itself, is to be left un-
guarded.
There have been many signs recent.
ly that General Foch was rapidly get
ting into shape a strong reserve force.
The employment of the American and
Italian divisions has served to release
French shock troops for rest and re-
There are Indications.
also, that the effect of British man
power again is being felt at the front.
The recent successful resistance of
the Italians near Rheims which In pos
sitions formerly held by the British
units.
What VIII General FOch Do?
Whether General Foch is prepared
to take advantage of the diversion
caused by the Austrian disaster can-
not be foretold. Some observers here,
including Italian officials, believe that
the situation on the Italian front Ia "a