THE AUSTRIAN BLOW IN THE TRENTINO

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2778, 24 May 1916, Page 5

THE AUSTRIAN BLOW IN THE TRENTINO

IS IT ANOTHER VERDUN FIASCO? SPLENDID RALLY BY THE ITALIANS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright ("Times" and Sydney "'Sun" Services.) (Uec. May 23/ 5.5 p.m.) London, May 22. Austria's offensivo in tho Tyrol preceded by a tremendous . artillery bombardment. By extraordinary exertions the enemy brought up huge howitzers through the mountain passes in the vicinity of Kovereto, the scene ot the heaviest fighting. One hundred thousand Au6triwis were hurled forth in massed attacks, winning- at the bloodiest cost the first Italian lines and Zugna Torta, an important strategical position overlooking the main roads to Verona and Vicenza. Although General Cadorna's troops hero have been withdrawn to rear positions, it is not to be expeoted that the Austrians will bo able to follow up their first success, In most difficult country, in order to threaten the main Italian Army on the Isonzo. It is confidently believed that General Cadorna's fine generalship will make an effective counter-stroke at the proper moment. It is believed that the Austrian offensive was politically inspired in order to the widespread and popular disaffection over the shortage of food, tho high prices, and the depression regarding "the outcome of tho war. ' _ Reports from Homo state that the Italians are rallying splendidly, and nra holding firmly on both wings. It is believed that 300,0(H) fresh troops and an enormous number of guns have been hsought up for_ the offensive, The Austrian are continually attacking, and fte'ely using poison gas. ITALIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Ecc. May 23, S.io p.m.) Rome, May 23. ' An Italian official communique states:—A fierce attack by the enemy on the left bank of the Adige was repulsed with heavy Austrian losses. During a raid on Porto Gruaro one of the enemy's seaplanes was brought down. . ,