WAR DECLARED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3193, 26 May 1915, Page 57

WAR DECLARED.

ROME, May 23. Official: Italy has declared war with Austria, beginning on Monday. Italy has adhered to the Allies’ agreement not to conclude a separate peace. The Italian mobilisation comprises men between 20 and 39 years. The decree was hailed with tremendous enthusiasm throughout the country. An Austrian patrol crossed the frontier, and Italian chasseurs vigorously attacked and pursued them. The Giornale d’ltalia says that Hindenburg commands' the Austro-Germans against Italy. The Austrian soldiery dynamited the Dante monument at Trent. Many anti-Austrian demonstrations have occurred in Dalmatia (south-west of Bos-nia-Herzegovina, forming Austria’s southern Adriatic coast line). «*• THE POPE’S APPROVAL. • PARIS, May 23. It is understood that the Pope is issuing a manifesto approving of Italy’s intervention, and sympathising with the Allies. Le Matin says that Italy did not issue a formal declaration of war, as the handing of their passports to the Ambassadors sufficed. It is reported that Baron Burian has resigned his position as Austro-Hungarian Foreign Minister. AUSTRIAN NEWSPAPERS FURIOUS. AMSTERDAM, May 23. The Austrian newspapers denounce Italy for her shameless treaty-breaking. The Reichpost says Italy is out for robbery. Many German infantry officers have left Constantinople, and are going to Trieste. The Frankfurter Zeitung’s Vienna correspondent states that the hatred of the Italian business men and would-be politicians who forced the war is so unutterably sincere and profound that the war can only be a terrible one. “HOUR OF DESTINY STRUCK.” BIRTH OF A NEW ITALY. LONDON, May 23. The Times, in a leader on the vote of the Italian Chamber, says: “ It bears no other interpretation than that the people of Italy, who last week revolted against treasonable intrigues, recognise that the hour of destiny has struck, and they cannot be deaf to the call which summons them to put forth their might on behalf of liberty. Italy not only fights for Europe, but for the right to develop according to her native genius, rich in tradition, and to escape the subtle thraldom of Germanism, which has begun to enslave and benumb her noblest faculties. The British nation has watched with sympathy the birth of a new Italy. We gave asvlum to her persecuted sons, and received Garibaldi as one of the heroes of humanity. We welcome Italy as a sister in arms. We seal the pact of her alliance with the proud pledge that our hand will not be stayed nor our ardour abated until, with Italian help, a lasting victory has crowned the allied cause.” Thousands of Italians marched in procession from Saffron Hill to the Italian Embassy, where there was an enthusiastic

demonstration. The crowd included a veteran Garibaldian, accompanied by a number of men in khaki. The Italians are enthusiastic, and held a great demonstration when war was declared. West End waiters are eagerly waiting to be called to the colours. Five thousand Italians in England are available for service, and numbers are besieging the Consulate for passports. NO NOTIFICATION IN NEW ZEALAND. WELLINGTON, May 24. The Government has not yet received official confirmation of the declaration of war by Italy, but the Prime Minister states that he regards the report as authentic. He says that Italy’s support of the allied Powers is highly gratifying, as it is likely to have an important influence upon, the course and the duration of the war. AUSTRIANS IN THE TYROL. VENICE, May 23. The Austrians have fallen back upon the fortifications of Ala and Trento. The Alpine passes were deep in snow. The Germans and Austrians have constructed many little concrete forts on the summits, masked by screens of boughs. PAPAL PRAYERS AND EXHORTATIONS. LONDON, May 25. The Pope has exhorted young Catholics to enlist, and is praying for Italian victory. FORTIFY ING TEEN TIN 0. LONDON, May 23. The Austrians are practising terrorism in Pola. Most of the Italians have been arrested and despatched to concentration camps. German labourers are unceasingly fortifying Trentino. OVATION POR ROYAL FAMILY. LONDON, May 23, A holiday was observed in Italian cities, and notices appeared upon shut= tered shops: “ Closed for national joy.” There was an unprecedented demon= stration at the Royal Palace, Rome, 200,000 persons waving flags. The King, Queen, and Royal family thanked them for their patriotism, waved flags, and shouted Long live Italy.” The crowd replied: “ Long live war.” The King has approved of the Cabinet’s action. AUSTRIAN NOTE TO ITALY. LONDON, May 23. The Austrian Note sent to Italy expresses painful surprise at the abrupt annulment of the Triple Alliance, which had rendered Italy notorious services. Italy knew that Austria had no intention of conquest in Serbia, and Austria never supposed that Italy was identified with criminal intrigues against the security and integrity of Austria. The Note declines to regard as illusory Austria’s promise that Italy should share territorially in the war gains after the war. GERMAN OFFICIALS CALM. LONDON, May 23. Amsterdam reports state that Berlin received Italy’s decision with the utmost calmness, but the German press is bitterly resentful. It considers that Austria - Germany will be victorious whether Italy is neutral or otherwise," though her intervention may prolong the war. Baron Sonnino had played a game with false cards. The Austro-German staff had long foreseen the intervention and had taken all necessary measures. Italy would yet regret that she had interfered. PRINCE YON BULOW RECALLED. BERLIN, May 24. There was tremendous excitement at the announcement that Prince von Bulow had been recalled. An official announcement was made that Italy’s: provocative attack upon the Dual Monarchy had broken the alliance with Germany without right or reason. Prince von Bulow had accordingly been instructed to leave Rome with Herr Macchio. LONDON, May 23. Prince von Bulow is expected to visit his brother in Switzerland. ITALIAN AMBASSADOR LEAVES VIENNA. VIENNA, May 24. The Italian Ambassador demanded his passport, as he was recalled owing to Austria’s violation of the Treaty of Alliance. He added that the Government was firmly resolved to provide all the means at its disposal for safeguarding Italian rights and interests against every existing and future menace. The King considers himself in a state of war from the 24th insfc.