SECOND EDITION THE BLOW AT ITALY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 10121, 31 October 1917, Page 5

SECOND EDITION THE BLOW AT ITALY.

AMERICAN PRES’S PESSIMISTIC. AMERICA’S DUTY TO SUPPLY MEN, ARMS AND FOODSTUFFS. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. Received October 31. 9 a.m. NEW YORK, Oct. 30. The New York papers are pessimistic regarding the Italian situation. The Herald says; It is now the duty of Americans to grit their teeth and prepare for two or three years war. The Sun declares that if the Italians arc driven back because of the lack of artillery there is yet time to halt the German adNew York World says the Italians have been defeated, but it is not yet clear whether it is a disaster. The lesson wo must learn is that every war activity on the part of every nation must bo speeded up to drive back the ruthless Hun. Frank Simmonds, writing to the Tribune says it is too soon to ho pessimistic, but. uo are seeing the beginning of what might become one of the greatest disasters m military history. The Italian offensive has been ruined, but Italy may yet rally. The New York Times comments on the Italian situation, which it cays means deferring peace. Italy has not received the full help asked for. ‘ The circumstances seem to indicate a lack of perfect co-ordination in the plans of the Allies and the need for the supreme command keeping a vigilant eve on all fronts. America must supply the Allies with men, arms and foodstuffs, and prepare for a lengthy war of great mag'"tlio'officials at Washington arc discussing whether Italy’s plight forces America to declare war upon Austria. AIR SERVICES. LONDON TO MELBOURNE IN 85 DAYS'. ; (Delayed Cable.) ’ ' LONDON, Oct. 19: The Dailv Express declares Hi at,, provided the weather is favourable,' the Atlantic will be crossed by aeroplanes before the end of the year. The routo will he via the Azores, and New- York will lie brought within 24 hours of London. , I'. The paper adds that plans fire hj^ ln S made for regular services,to the Capo. India, and Australia. Melbourne will bp omht days and a half from London, India three days, and the Cape from four to five days. The speed will bo 200 miles an hour, and the cost *o passengers will he no rnorp than the firstclass faro by an ocean liner.