ITALY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXIX, Issue LXIX, 28 May 1915, Page 5

ITALY.

THE 'ARMY OF LIBERATION."

GRATIFYING INITIAL SUCCESS. A RACE FOR AUSTRIAN SOIL. INVADERS ACCLAIMED AS DELIVERERS. THE KING IN COMMAND. ANTI-ITALIAN FEELING HIGH IN GERMANY.

ROME, May 27

The Italian army of liberation has met with gratifying initial success. At dawn on the 24th they bombarded the Austrian lines and silenced the enemy's guns.

Under cover of artillery Italian infantry regiments had a great race for the honor of being first on Austrian soil. They are now firmly established on the Venetian Friuli. They met with feeble resistance. The inhabitants acclaimed the Italians as deliverers and embraced the soldiers, calling them "fratelli."

King Emmanuel is in supreme command of the land forces and has gone to the front.

Italy has declared a blockade on the Austrian and Albanian coasts.

Experts point out that the Austrian defences really begin on the east bank of the Isonzo. Several battalions specially trained in the use of land mines are stationed at Trent and Koveredo. The Austrians boast they intend to use dynamite first and then cannon.

LONDON, May 27..,

The.ltalian1 Ambassador at Berlin departed this morning, and his carriage drove through the back streets. Herr yon Jagow visited the Embassy. Herr yon Bethmann-Hollweg declined to receive Signor Bollati, who was surprised at being prevented from carrying out the rules of international courtesy.

A crowd at the railway station hissed Signor Bollati. Anti-Italian feeling is high throughout Germany.

Signor Salandra telegraphed congratulations to the Venetians on their splendid courage under their first airbombardment. Flags were hoisted on the house-tops in defiance of the visitor and crowds on the piazzas sang patriotic songs, the municipal bands playing. Five bombs wounded four women.

There is an exodus of Italians from London hotels, which lose thousands of chefs, cellarmen, and waiters. The situation is desperate, as Swiss-are not available owing to mobilisation.

The news of Italy intervening has delighted the British army. All ranks welcome the alliance. Our officers hold a high opinion of the fighting qualities of the Italian army.