File No. 763.72/7502
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received October 30, 3 p.m.]
1160. Situation along Isonzo front continues very grave where Germans now reported having 23 divisions and Austrians have broken through actual back Italian Second Army in apparent attempt to crush completely Italian center and cut off right wing. Cividale rumored burnt to destroy stores and reported general headquarters withdrawn from Udine to point north of Treviso. Everything tends to show Germans and Austrians are making supreme effort to break through deficient Italian front believing such a disaster will cause revolution Italy. No such result will follow; the break in the Second Army has been a distinct shock but Italy seems rallying to meet the occasion. Press generally asserts that not only Italy’s but the Allies’ cause is at stake. I believe this to be true and if sure that conditions in America admitted it, I would earnestly suggest that in this exigency we give every and [sic] material support possible.
England and France reported rushing artillery to Italy’s support