ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Evening Star, Issue 16627, 9 January 1918, Page 3

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

AN ADEQUATE DEFENCE. AUSTRO-CERMAN RUCTIONS Iress Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. ■iustralian and N.Z. Cablo Association and Reut«r. LONDON, January 7. Italian official: British and French batteries repeatedly shell the enemy positions and the rear areas between Vidor, Fonte«kJla, and Griula, with excellent results. British patrols forced the Piave at some joints. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. LONDON, January 8. Mr Ward-Price interviewed General Diaz, vho said the British at the Montello secwere holding the post of honor on thePsave. Tho British had made a magniScrat impression. They were troops worthy oj Great Britain. . General "Diaz added: "The holding of tli.e Piavo lino since the great withdrawal is one of the defensive successes of the war. The Italians-have determinedly stood tin; supremo war test—namely, that of retwjat." ROME, January 7. The Austrian and German newspapers ate indulging in recrimination regarding the incomplete success of the offensive ajrainst Italy. * The Austrians blame the Germans for delaying assistance in order to carry on their offensive at Riga, while the Germans blame tho Austrians for permitting the Italians to carry on the offensive on the Bainsizza Plateau, ' which delayed the Austro-German offensive for two months. They also criticise the Austrian High Command for leaving Czechs at Bainsizza, and not realising that they intended to leize the first opportunity to surrender.