ON THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 27 December 1917, Page 3

ON THE ITALIAN FRONT.

SURPRISE AUSTRIAN ATTACK

ITALIANS ’ FORCED 11A Cl I

rAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] ' LONDON, Dec. 24 th. Julius Price, writing from Italian headquarters, says: Austrian divisions from the Russian front delivered a surprise attack south-east of Sisemol, which is spreading along the Asiago Plateau. Weight of numbers forced the Italians from two posiions, fighting every yard, but a break through was prevented. Prisoners state that the n eathei conditions are very had with the severest eold. The Austrians are urged to continue the fight in the hope of soon reaching the plains and sunshine.

A GERMAN DRIVE.

(Reuter’s Telegrams.!

V WASHINGTON December 24. Germany has started a powerful drive in Macedonia along the Cerna. Three violent attacks on lug Italian positions were repulsed. heavy enemy pressure. ON ASIAGO PLATEAU. (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 26th. Mr. Ward Price reports serious fighting in the new sector on Asiago plateau left of Frenzela Valley, nearer Brenta, Frenzela Valley and nearer Brinta, , which aims at winning ground to preserve the regularity of the advance on the hole enemy lane. The entire German force appears to be concentrated with the Austrians between the Brenta and Piave.

.The enemy are evidently ithinnihg their troops along the Pia've, with a view to increasing their strength in the mountain sector.

ENEMY ON THE DEFENSIVE

ROME, December 23,

Heavy snow has fallen on the Settc Communi Plateau, and on the Grappa Ridge, but unfortunately the temperature is mild, and there is a possibility of rain, which would melt the snow. The Italians’ successful attacks between the 'Brenta and the Cessibla Valley synchronised with the enemy’s withdrawal of his. worn out troops, an ( i their replacement with fresh ones. The Italian iniiative has disarranged the enemy’s preparations fo rtlie resumption o iffclie offensive ,and they are nowrequired for defence.

ITALY AND PEACE

(Reuter’s Telegram.) ROME December 23

Speaking in the Chamber, upon a vote of confidence, iSignor Orlando (Premier ),referring to a Socialist deputy’s advocacy of peace, said that Germany had never spoken of such a peace, and had never mentioned the restoration of Belgium. Austria has never shown any intention of restoring unredeemed Italy. Rather than accept a peace which would leave Austria in possession of Italian territory the Italians would retreat fighting as far as Sicily; moreover, a return to the status quo was .impossible after the immense sacrifices mdde during the war. The only way to safety was by resistance.