DRIVEN ACROSS PIAVE

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 150, 25 June 1918, Page 5

DRIVEN ACROSS PIAVE

FORTY-FIVE THOUSAND PRISONERS

ENORMOUS BOOTY CAPTURED

The Austrians have sustained a disastrous defeat, amounting to a root, along the line of the Piave. They were unable to efficiently consolidate their positions after they crossed the river, and at the right moment General Diaz delivered a counter-attack, which drove the Austrians across the river in a disorderly retreat, during which the Italians captured fortyfive thousand prisoners in addition to enormous stores and great numbers of guns. The pursuit continues across the river, Italian cavalry being close upon the heels of the fleeing foe. There is tremendous excitement in Italy as a result of the victory, which may develop into an even more important success. The Germans are sending troops from the West front to aid the Italians, a complete admission of their defeat. Mr. Lloyd George says that a German offensive in the West may develop at any moment, and that the next few months will be a period of anxiety. He adds, however, that the Allies are prepared for any blow which the enemy may deliver. Operations on the front continue of a minor character.

Chaos continues to reign in both Austria and Hungary, afld the resignations of both Cabinets are announced.