AUSTRIANS AT MONTELLO IN A CRITICAL POSITION.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16883, 22 June 1918, Page 7

AUSTRIANS AT MONTELLO IN A CRITICAL POSITION.

UNABLE TO REACT AGAINST ITALIAN MOVEMENT. WIDESPREAD CONFUSION IN HIGH COMMAND. Times. LONDON. June 20. Mr. J. M. N. Jeffreys, the Times correspondent on the Italian front, reports that the situation at Montello is very steady. The Austrians for the tim» being ceased their offensive, they had no opportunity ta dig deep trenches, and the troops are exposed to artillery fire. The dead are lying thick on the river slopes. The enemy seems indifferent and unable to react against the Italian movement. Prisoners declare that the Austrian effectiveness has ended. They have plenty of ammunition, but no food. The troops were persuaded to take the offensive by the promise of rich food to be captured in Italy. Some pontoons of the bridge at Montello have disappeared, probably carried down the swollen river. If so, the Austrians' position is likely to be critical. Swarms of British and Italian airmen are incessantly bombing the enemy. A Hungarian general at Montello, deserted by his staff, lost his way. He refused to surrender, and was killed.

Mr. Ward Price confirms the reported statements by prisoners that they have not received food since the offensive started, and that ammunition is running short. There is evidence of widespread confusion in the High Command. Intercepted messages state that units are mixed up, and it is difficult to keep direction. The Italian resistance is most stubborn.