The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1919-09-16
HOPED FOR AUSTRIAN VICTORY

1t would now have been possible to
reinforce the German army in the
| west by few Austro Hungarian di-
| visions. il the attack in Italy had been
given up But their fighting capacity
could not be considered sufficient for
employment on the western front, and,
| as long as the Austro- Hungarian gen.
eral headquarters at Baden was honest
| ly working for an offensive in Italy.
| they could not be better engaged
| victory in Italy would relieve us
just as much as it had done in the au-
tumn of 1917; mt the best 1t would draw
off n part of the new American forma-
tons. This would be of more service
than mere reinforcement Of the west
ern front by divisions of poor quality.
If the attack in Italy should prove
unsuccessful it would still be possible
| to send a direct reinforcement to the
west.
The food situation of Austria and the
Austro- Hungarian army was uncom :
monty serious. 1t had received it's share
of the Rumanian supply in advance and
used it up. and was now extracting
all it could get hold of from the occu-
| pied portions of the Ukraine. needless
to say. without any consideration But
even this did not suffice, and early in
May Austria. being in great need, seized
grain belonging to Germany. which was
being forwarded to US from Rumania.
while it was in transit through the dual
monarchy.
AS We had already given help in Feb
ruary, this high-handed action there
fore aroused considerable establishment
and Indignation. But Indignation was
no use; we hadeto give again, which
was the more annoying, as the horses
on the western front depended for their
meagre corn ration on the Rumanian
supply.
BULGARIAN DEBACLE BEGINS
The Macedonian front continued
quiet. The Bulgarian army had time
for rest and training. But it could
not be denied that since about March
its spirit had visibly deteriorated ow-
ing to bad food and clothing The irri-
tation against Germany was cleverly
fomented by hostile propaganda and
by Bulgarians who favored the en-
tente. The peace of Bucharest and the
withdrawal Of few German formations
to the west added fresh fuel to it.
Cases of mutiny showed how far the
process of corrosion had gone Cen
eral Headquarters and the group head
quarters of General Won Scholtz did all
they could to helm and to influence
the Bu1rarians. We gave them food
and the Prusian war minister provided
clothing. We also complied with the
wishes Of Crown Prince Boris. who had
visited the western, front. and had asked
for the removal of sundry batteries to
he DELAYED.
We impressed on the Bulgarian
Headquarters the need for preparing re-
serves 1t had put too many troops
in the front line and kept back too few
complete formations. Gradually, Gem
eral Jekov decided to follow our adj
vice This was facilitated by trans
ferring the troops in the Dobrudja to
the Macedonian front. which however.
proceeded very slowly. On the enemy's
side there now appeared royal Greek
troops. in addition to the venizelists.
SAW DANGER TO TURKEY
In Palestine the English had in March
attacked across the Jordan, just north
Of the Red sea, with the obvious inten-
ton Of working round the left wing Of
the Turkish army group posted there.
and of driving it off the Damascus
railway. The English attack gained
ground at first. but ended in defeat,