THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume 43, Issue 133097, 14 November 1917, Page 4

THE ITALIAN FRONT.

There is further satisfactory news today concerning the operations on tho Italian front. A bitter struggle is going on at several points, and it is pleasing to note that tho Italians are not only able to repulso enemy attacks, but to launch counter-attacks successfully mid capture prisoners. It ia becoming increasingly evident that tho Italians are now a bio to concentrate their strength in the task ol; holding up the enemy. The aid seat by the. British and French is by now showing itself, and these troops will inspire tho Italians to redouble their efforts in the defence of their native soil. The AustroGermans may yet be able to make limited progross at isolated points, but their general advance is being checked. The dramatic thrust against Italy is fizzling out, and the Austro-Germaus will shortly require to give attention to defending tho territory which they have taken. •In this connection reference- may bo made to one important factor. In an attack, when all is "going right, the Austrians fight well. But on defence, when defeat is staring them in the face, they quickly throw up the sponge. Further, th« Austriana know—and dread the fact —that unless Italy is completely crushed by the present thrust, their own doom is scaled. The offensive against tho Italians has been a supreme effort, on the part of the Austrians, and the aftermath, as the result of Italy successfully advancing again, will spell tho end of Austria. :is alighting factor. Germany cannot spare sullieieut men to .■tuitiiiuuUy stiffen up the Austrians, so that even though Austria is at present laughing, she will realise that "he who .lauLrhs last laughs best.-'" li wiil shortly be. Italy's turn to laugh.