ITALIAN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 9 November 1917, Page 5

ITALIAN FRONT.

' ThVsITuJIT|ON REVIEWED. e BETRAYED BY GERMAN PROPAGANDA. - LONDON,' November' 7. General Maurice, reviewing the Italian position, admits that it is very serious, but declares that the statement that Mackensen led .300,000 troops in a tremendous surprise at. tack is absolutely untrue. Mackensen has never been in Italy, ihe Germans there were led by Von Buelow. Cad-, orna knew approximately the time and was aware of the place to be attacked. Disaster was_ greatly, due to the insidious propaganda, which had spread further than Cadprna was aware of. The'withdrawal ' from the Tagliamento' was'part pf the original plan arranged by Cadoma before reaching that line! .. Italian Headquarters reports that the situation is grave, but more hopeful, because order has been restored and the troops are reaching new lines. The enemy pressure continues strong on the right centre and left. A brigade of Piedmontese grenadiers, all over six feet, made a gallant stand in an attempt to stem the advancing hosts. Under heavy shrapnel fire they emptied their cartridge-belts then hurled bombs, and, when the last officer was dead, charged with bayonets and fought with clubbed rifles till not a single giant grenadier was left alive.

Wireless German official: We have reached the Livenza line.

GERMANS SEEKING TO ATTACK BRESCIA. MILITARY EXPERTS' OPINION. Received 8.40. BERNE, Nov 8. Le Journal states Austro-Germans in Trentmo are seeking to attack Brescia! There is great activity to the west of Lake Garda Several Swiss and Italian military experts consider Cadorna should withdraw to the Adige, whence a vigorous counter-offensive might destroy the enemy. This would mean the abandoning of Vicenza, Padua, and Venwhich the Italians will not allow. During the offensive of May, 1916, Cadorna telegraphed to the Government, "If you permit me to abandon Yicenzia in forty-eight hours I will deliver to you the Austrian Army." The Government refused. T-h'e Austrians were defeated but not captured.