THE ITALIANS' GRIM DEFENCE

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 71, 17 December 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIANS' GRIM DEFENCE

ENEMY MASSED ATTACKS (Rec. December 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, December 1-1. An Italian official report states: "Our firm resistance compelled the enemy to suspend the infantry attack at Col Caprile and Col della Berrettn., Our aeroplanes shelled his concentrated troops. The enemy launched dense masses in an encircling movement against a salient at Monto Sclarolo. Our infantry, aided by the Italian and French batteries, repulsed the enemy, yielding only a short section of ground after inflicting immenso losses."— Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Router. THE COSTLY OFFENSIVE IN THE TRENTINO 150,000 AUSTRIANS AND GERMANS LOST. London, December 14. Beuter's correspondent at Italian Headquarters states that it is estimate ed that one hundred and fifty thousand Austrians and, Germans have been lost since tho beginning of the offonsivo in the frontino. Nevertheless, the enemy is renewing his desperate attempts to enter the plain, employing whole divisions in each attack. Apparently General Conrad _ von Hoetzendorff and General von Bulow aro determined to pass the Alpino bulwark before tho severe winter set in. Tho Italian scouts ascertained that the enemy had concentrated 2500 guns on a front of less than ten miles, between tho Brenta and the Piave. Judging from tho present action, the enemy lias reverted to his original idea that the entry to tho plain is only possible by tho capture of tho Grappa Mountain Pass. Hitherto the attacking troops have encountered redoubtable resistance, whole battalions of Italians allowing themselves to be dostroyed in preference to yielding. Now the British and French Allies are beside and behind the Italians. Their intervention has saved tho day, giving a well-deserved rest and. breathing spaco to the Italians, who have endured an unparalleled strain during fivo weeks of unremitting fighting.—Reuter. HOW ENTRANCE WAS GAINED TO TRIESTE HARBOUR Rome, December 14. Details of the sinking of the Austrian battleship Wien show that two torpedo-boats cut eight cables which protected the entrance to Trieste Harbour and removed tho mines. They found tho Wien unprotected by nets. Tho Austrian searchlights failed to pick up tho torpedo-boats, which launched torpedoes against the Wien and another battleship. There was indescribablo confusion among tho Austrian ships in tho harbour, nnd the torpedo-boats escaped amid a violent fire from tho shore batteries.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.