" COME AND SURRENDER."
AN AMUSING OFFER.
AUSTRIAN INVITATION. Amusing offers have been made to the Italian soldiers by the Austrians in circulars which have been pasted to trees, fence*,, and posts along the Italian line of march. The poster is as follows :— " Italian Soldiers : —You are entering with malice into a war of conquest and plunder. To fire traitorouslv upon your former allies is an act of immoralitv without equal in the records of history. Divine Providence will punish each of those who commits such a base act. Each of you, in the face of God and the face of ' death, should renounce the great crime which you intend to commit with a sacrifice of your own blood.
" Think of the terrible fatigues and continual dangers which a blind Government is imposing upon you. Think also of the terrible privations which your actions are bringing to your unfortunate families. Why go in the face of such, misfortune when there is a chance to free yourselves. " Make the most of every opportunity to surrender, particularly when a propitious moment presents itself. Refuse to obey orders and follow in a body the example of your comrades who come to us and who never win regret it. For arms and other war materials -which you give over to us you will receive a premium each machine gun, 500 crowns ; for each cannon, 20000 crowns ; for each aeroplane intact, 2000 crowns, and for each horse' 150 crowns. '
In Austria prisoners of war are well treated. They are gathered together in villages with their companions. They are allowed the greatest amount of liberty Best of all, they receive plenty of food for a soldier. All are absolutely free from all danger. Do not hesitate! Desert in mass. You are welcome. Give this note wide distribution and encourage all your friends to follow you." Commenting on the note, the Figaro says:—;' So eloquent is this appeal that the * friends do not wish to surrender. They prefer to fight for a single crown— the crown of Savoy."
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/NZH19150923.2.67
Bibliographic details
New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16030, 23 September 1915, Page 8
Word Count
340" COME AND SURRENDER." New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16030, 23 September 1915, Page 8
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