ITALAN CAMPAIGN

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1918, Page 3

ITALAN CAMPAIGN

THE OFFENSIVE IN ITALY ON AST AGO PLATEAU

F A USTUA 1.1 AN it N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION . x it REUTER. 1 j LONDON, April 0. I The enemy li is begun a persistent and barnissing fire on the Asiago Plateau. We dispersed enemy parties on the western slopes of Moiint Ortler, and we engaged enemy troops who were on the : move rearwards between Sugaua and Comeglinno. ; There is a -remarkably intense artillery firing along the Pinve river. ROME, April 5. A large force of Austrians from F •' Roumanian front are appearing on the Ttalian front. The Austrians transferred large bodies of troops from tlie Pi ive to the .mountains and organised a number of solid defensive zones and bridgeheads along the • Prevenza and ITa glia men to, in order that hv r«'(- | ing more troops to have more troops for the offensive. i

AI'STR FA’S OPPORTUNITY. AMSTERDAM, April 0. The Budapestli newspapers now assert that an anti-Italian offensive is impending. They dee.huy that the occasion is excellent in view of the AngloFrench on the’ Western Front beirg pro-occupied, I General von Arz, interviewed, sta t that Italy’s account must he squared, and operations in. tlie Trentino nr: eommenee when the snows melt.

ANNEXATION ADVOCATED. NEW YORK. April G The “ World's” Rome correspondent r tntes that, in contrast of Count Czer"in’s speech, ether Austrian statesmen are making speeches demanding the annexation of the invaded Italian provinc-

ACSTRTAN PREPARATIONS. (Received This Day at 9.50. a.m.) LONDON, April 6. The “Daily Telegraph’s’’ Milan correspondent reports the Austrian concentration of troops and material has reached a maximum in the last three weeks, particularly in the Trentino. General Conrad has massed three army groups between Guidicariastal valley and Monte Grappa, and has accumulated numerous reserve divisions behind the first concentration zone. There is almost more material than can be hnndled in the mountain passes.

AUSTRIAN CONCENTRATION PARIS April 7. The “Temps” says there is an important Austrian concentration in the Tyrol. It is believed that Verona is the objective. General Boroevitch is in supreme command and General Fnlkenliaven acts as adviser.