ITALIANS RETREAT TO THE LIVENZA

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 39, 9 November 1917, Page 5

ITALIANS RETREAT TO THE LIVENZA

LOW WATER RENDERS TAGLIAMENTO DIFFICULT TO DEFEND ARTILLERY THE KEY TO THE PROBLEM By Telegraph—Press Aseooiotion—Copyright London, Noyombcr 7. An Italian official report states: "We hare withdrawn in good order to thelivenza Eiver, as the dafenco of the Tagliamento was difficult owing to the low water. Our aeroplanes and airships repeatedly bombed troops which were repairing the bridges over iho Taghamento and crossing the river."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesn.-Keutor.

SITUATION GRAVE BUT MORE HOPEFUL .1

(Eec. November 8, 10.20 p.m.) London, November 7. "The Times" correspndont at Italian Headquarters reports: "The situation is grave, but moro hopeful, because order has been restored, and the troops aro reaching their new lines. The enomy's pressure oontinues strong on tho right centre and left. A brigade of Piedmonteso Grenadiers, all over six feet tall, made a gailanti stand in an attempt to stem the advancing hosts. Under a heavy shrapnel fire they emptied thoir «artrldgo belts and then hurled bombs, and when their la6t officer was dead, charged with bayonets and fought with clubbed lilies till not a single giant Grcnadior was loft alive."—"The Times."

. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT

London, November 7. A German official report states: "Wo continue tho pursuit of the Italians in tho mountains and on the Venetian Plain. Thousands have been taken prisoner.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-EeuteT.

(Boc. November 8, 8.45 p.m.)

London, November 7. A German official report states: "We have reached tho Livonza line.—Aus.N.Z. Cable 1 Assn.-Eeuter.

COMMENTS ON THE SITUATION

London, November 7. Mr. Perceval Gibbon writes: "The Austrians orossed tho Tagliamento at a \point where there wore five channels all negotiable by motor-car. Their shelling across the river thus far has been exclusively by field-guns. The German' superiority in guntireis tho key of tho Italian retreat. Tho Germans shelled the Italians to Tags, holding half their fire until the infantry wero in tho open, in order to secure a surprise. Reorganisation is the order of tho day at the Italian front. Committees were established everywhere, and received the refugees. Tho one question is whether the Allied reinforcements will arrivo ,'in force before the Austrians and Germans attack."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A BRITISH STAFF OFFICER'S VIEWS.

(Eec. November 8, 7.80 p.m.) » London, November 7. General F. B. Maurice (Director of Military Operations), reviewing tho Italian position, admits that it is very serious, but doolares that the statement that von Mackenson led 800,000 troops in a tremendous surpriso attack is absolutely untrue. "Von Maokensen has never been In Italy. The Germans there were led by von Buelow) Cadorna knew approximately the time, and was aware of the place to Ixy attacked. The disaster was greatly due to the insidious Gcrmani propaganda, which had spread further than Cadorna was aware. The withdrawal from the Tagliamento is part of tho original plan arranged by General Cadorna before reac'hing that line."—Keuter. OALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY AND FORTITUDE. ,„,,„„,.,,.. Home, November 7. Three hundred and fifty-six deputies of all parties have signed a manifesto appealing for unity and fortitude. The manifesto says: "Tho battlecry for all must be: "Save the country from foreign invaders.'"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn.

ITALY'S SHIPPING NEEDS BEING SEEN TO.

Washington, November 7. Two more merchantmen have been turned over to Italy, whoso snipping needs will take precedence of those of France.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aesu.

KAISER UNABLE TO VISIT GORIZIA.

Amsterdam, November 7. The Kaiser has cancelled his visit to Gorteia. His doctors have ordered him no"? to overtax his strength, and he must do less travelling.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.