ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 22 August 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

THE ITALIAN ADVANCE. LONDON, August 20. An Italian offiical message states: “Northward from the sea to Anhovo we overcame >the enemy’s'resistance. We threw numerous pontoons across the Isonzo, and crossed to the left bank. We also crossed the enemy’s first line between Plava and the sea, despite uesperate resistance. Twohun dred and eight aeroplanes took part, and bombed the enemy’s reserves. Infantry attacks and artillery combats are vigorously proceeding. The enemy's losses are most serious. We took considerable booty, including guns and machine guns. 7600 prisoners have already been counted. FIGHTING ON 43-MILE FRONT. BRITISH GUNS ASSISTING. LONDON, August 20. The Italian offensive is on the widest front of any offensive, being approximately forty-three miles. Rome reports that numerous British guns are assisting in the bombardments although the Italian gun-fire was never comparable with that on the FrancoBrutish fronts. i The stony ground doubles the effects of the gunfire. Vienna reports that the Italians are specially concentrating on Hernada, which dominates the coastal road towards Trieste. It is estimated that a million men are under fire and a million in reserve. The whole battleground is a series of rocky, desolate hills.

STAGGERING BLOW TO AUSTRIANS. ROME, August 21. The “Corriere d’ltalia” says the chief importance of hhe advance is that the Italians have definitely broken the 'Austrian resistance on the right bank of the Isonzo near Tolmino, enabling them to threaten the enemy’s left wing. The offensive was simultaneous on the whole front. The Austrians are perplexed regarding the final objectives. Correspondents are unanimous that the second battle is the most colossal in Italy’s war experiences. The fighting is developing into very great intensity. The enemy, expecting an attack on the Carso, had concentrated their best troops, but had not reckoned with the Italians’ aeroplanes by which the Austrians were practically blinded. AUSTRIAN PRESS ALARMED. BERNE, August 21. Wireless. Austrian newspapers publish alarmist articles regarding the Italian battle, but recommend the public to remain confident in the high command ’s wisdom. 10,000 PRISONERS TAKEN, LONDON, August 21. The High Commissioner reports:— Italian official: Well organised defences between Carite and Silo, near the Fortress of Stanlokva, have been captured with over 10,000 prisoners. SPANISH AFFAIRS. I ! Received 8.50. MADRID, August 21. Cabinet has decTaed to disband the troops called up during the recent disturbances; also approved a credit of twenty million pesetas for the reorganisation of the army, and the provision of aeroplanes and anti-air-craft guns.