THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 13802, 30 September 1915, Page 2

THE ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

The paucity of news reaching us from the Italian front and the comparatively minor engagements that are reported would seem to indicate that very little progress is being made by our allies of the Latin race.^ The war on this front has,- developed into a series of sieges which are of a veTy . difficult character. Apparently the Italians lost a large number of men trying to force their way into Gorizia and Trent, and as yet have not succeeded in their objective. They are close to -the cities they are determined to capture^ but are held rip by the powerful mountain- fortresses which protect them. The Austrian position has been admirably placed for defence in this region, every road being guarded by • mountains from, which guns bristle out. Italy desires to take Trieste in order to render the naval bases of Austria, untenable, but to enable her to gain possession of this city and district she must first reduce the fortress of Gorizia, thirty miles to the north, and though we were told weeks ago that Gorizia was about to fall, and had actually fallen ) the enemy defenders appear to be still able to put up a good r'esistantee. Gorizia guards the Isohzo and the railway to the north and until it is taken advance upon Trieste would be impracticable, for it would constitute too serious a,, menace to the Italian left flank. General Cardojrna recently told the Italian people that the war had now developed into siege operations, and that these might possibly be much prolonged. But it is certain that the Italians when they attacked such a frontier knew perfectly well the enormous difficulties they would encounter, and were prepared for f them. It is quite possible that their real objective w.as not so much to maintain an energetic offensive beyond its possible success, but to take up certain positions which would completely nullify Austria's great advantage for an offensive. Strategically speaking, it has been explained by. a military expert, the/ Austro-Germari forces were splendidly, situated if they had only been, able to hold the domin : ating positions which Italy seized with such rapidity at the beginning of 'June. At any time the Central Powers could have poured troops on to the plains of Lonibardy if these positions had been held. They evidently did not count on Italy's offensive being developed so quickly or so efficiently. Italy has thoroughly safeguarded herself against counter-offensives and is safe from invasion. She is playing her part in. keeping large forces of Austrians busily employed, staving off her threatened advance. Her Alpini have done wonderful work in penetrating through almost inaccessible - mountain passes.' Inch by inch Italy has been gaining ground — nowhere has she been thrown back — qnd with the large forces at her disposal she is-' ready for active participation jn any other theatre of war where her services may be required. This fact alone has a decided influence -on the Balkan situation.