ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 31 October 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

HOW TOLMINO WAS CAPTURED. TEN THOUSAND ITALIANS * CAPTURED CUT OFF FROM RETIREMENT. Received 10.30 a.m. AMSTERDAM, October 30. The correspondent of the Nieuwe Rottcrdamsch Courant, with the Austrians, says,' Mackenseu chose the Tolmino for attack because the Italians had only two brigades there and weak reserves, whereas 55 brigades were massed on the Bainsizza plateau, with much artillery The Austrian General, Hcnvquoz, heavily, attacked Bainsizza in order to prevent reinforcements going to Tol mino, where the attack was a complete success, forcing retirement to Bainsizza, but storming troops, penetrated a deep ravine, cut off 10,000 prisoners and 200 guns. SEVERAL ENEMY ATTACKS REPULSED. LONDON, October 30. Latest accounts from the Italians front are regarded ,somewhat less gloomily as showing that a combination of many adverse and unexpected eon ditions prevented Italians from stemming the first onslaught. The "Daily Telegraph’s” Milan correspondent says a small nucleus of troops defending the passes opposite Tolmino fought like heroes against an overwhelmingly force. Another enemy wave tried to force the passage of a valley between Robic and Creda, but were stopped. Successive attempts to force a passage between Idcrseo and Lucio were foiled, and the Germans were compelled to fall back before repeated bayonet charges of a celebrated Italian brigade. A German attack from Santa Maria and Santa Lucia towards the valley of Indrio was checked at Cemponi, Montejoza, and finally at Globocak.

THE ITALIANS PLIGHT. ANOTHER THREE YEARS’ WAR. NO DEFINITE INFORMATION. It ii.-NOU ‘,Vi i : j-.C i, ;'i' { , .IS, IT TOO, LATE? • i Received 9 a.m. ' ; j... .NEW YORK,,.October 30. , The World says the Italians' have b,ccu .defeated but it is not clear whether it is disaster. The lesson we must learn is that every war activity in every nation must be be speeded up to drive back the ruthless Hun. Frank Simmons, writing to the Tribune, says, it is too soon to be pessimistic, but wc arc seeing the begiuging of what might become one of the greatest disasters in military history. The Italian offensive has been ruined, but Italy may yet rally. ’’ The New York Times commenting on' the Italian situation says it means a deferred peace. Italy has hot received the full help asked for, and circumstances seem to indicate a lack of perfect co-ordination among the Allies;' and the need for a supreme command, keeping a vigilant eye on all fronts. America must supply the Allies with men, arms, foodstuffs and prepare for a lengthy war of .great magnitude. Officials at Washington are discussing whether Italy’s plight will force America to declare war on Austria. ITALIANS RETIRING. UDINE HAS FALLEN. Received 8.35. NEW YORK, October 30. The important town of Udine has fallen. New York papers are pessimistic regarding the Italian situation. Mr. Hurley says it is now the. duty of Americans to show their grit and teeth and prepare for a two or three years war.

The Sun declares that if the Italians are driven back because of the lack of artillery, there is yet time to halt the Gorman advance. GENERAL SMUT’S STIRRING WORDS. LONDON, October 29. General Smuts, speaking at the Lord Mayor’s luncheon, said the German people had been presented with the head of Serbia on a platter. The Allies' would not see Italy’s head on a platter. The position was s'eTTous, but need not discourage us, nor need it discourage Italy. The Allies were cr 0 ,. ing to stand by her to the bitter end. THIRD ARMY HASTILY RETREATING. LONDON, October 29. German communique.— The whole Italian Isonzo front has collapsed and the third army is hastily retreating along the Adriatic coast. The Austro-Hungarians are now before Udine. They, have also captured Cormons. The number of prisoners is continually increasing.