ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 November 1917, Page 2

ITALIAN CAMPAIGN.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPYRIGHT.] POSITION 'REVIEWED. ON ALL FRONTS. BY HIGH MILITARY AUTHORITY. (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Nov. 14. A high military authority concludes: ! One of our cavalry divisions captured eleven hundred prisoners, two guns, fourteen machine guns, bringing the total prisoners to about seven thousand. The enemy’s force was very I roughly handled and lost about half

its effectiveness. It s Reinforcements can only come from Aleppo, from the force General Falkenbacli is preparing against Baghdad. The whole Italian question turns on whether they can hold tho Piave line. If they cannot, the situation will he critical for the next few days. The Italians must themselves hold the line until the Anglo-French Ireach the front, which will not he for some days yet.

The danger of the present Italian line rests on the Trentino front and the Plains. If the enemy gains a success in Trentino, they will cut off the Italians from the plains.

On tho other hand the mountainous country i s very defensive and it is difficult for largo forces to get through. The advance of writer mrill (assist the defenders. Those on the Piave line had time to prepare the resistance besides the fact that the enemy lines of communication arc becoming longer and t takes time to bring big guns. Every day the Piave line is held makes tho position more satisfatory. The enemy have not crossed the Piave ih any force. A few only are over at one point.

111 the original break through the Germans had three divisions in the first line and three divisions in support

LIVELY OPERATIONS

enemy ADVANCING,

f AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION A REUTER.]

LONDON, Nov. 14

Wireless Italian official.—An enemy surprise attack against our positions from (Lake Ledro to Lake Garda completely failed. The enemy were compelled to retire. Onr troops o n the Asiago Plateau, occupying advanced positions on Mount Longara, having repulsed four attacks, withdrew to a line further to the rear.

There were lively combats between Asiago and the Sugana Valley,, and between Brenta and Piave.

"[’he enemy now occupies the Trout Tizzo, Lamon, Fonzasco, Arten and Felt-re.

There is intense awylerying along the vPiavel The enemy attempt to cross the river at Sandonnadipiavre and Tntestadura failed.

Desperate fighting took place at Dipapadoli and Zenson. Tlie enemy pentrated the marshy region between Piave and Veceln'a. where fhe enemy were held up.