ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 6 November 1917, Page 5

ITALY.

> DIFFICULTIES OF RETREAT. DARING CAVALRY CHARGES. London, Nov. 4. The Observer's correspondent reports that the enemy has not yet fully debouched on the plain. Other correspondents state that the retreat manoeuvre was one of the greatest difficulty, which touched on the border of panic, and might have been converted into a disaster. The enemy maintained a terrific fire of every kinil of shell along the lines of communication, but through all the tornado of fire the troops showed no sign of defeat. The reckless daring of the cavalry largely contributed to the sucocssful retreat. They repeatedly charged the advancing troops amid a hail of machine-gun bullets.

A DECISIVE BATTLE. MILITARY CRITIC'S VIEWS. Rome, Nov. 4. General Corsa, writing in the Tribuna, states that the evacuated zone was the main supply base containing munition depots and other stores accumulated for the winter campaign. Everything was destroyed which ,the Italians were unable to move. It seems certain that the enemy's strategical position on the plain will compel him to accept battle on a large scale.

THE NATION AROUSED. INVASION CAN BE STEMMED. Rome, Nov. 4. The latest reports of the heroic Italian resistance to the Teutons have roused the whole, capital, which is convinced that the invasion can be stemmed. •It is reported that the Germans hoped to capture Venice and force peace by threatening to ruin the city of hand it over to Austria.

BREAKING THROUGH THE LINE. A PRESS CORRESPONDENT'S ACCOUNT. Received Nov. 5, 10 p.m. London, Nov. 5. Mr. Ward Price writes: The great Austro-German attack on the Italian front began at two in the morning of the 24th n!t„ from the bridgehead of Santa Lucia towards Plezzo. There was a violent bombardment for two hours with special gas shells, obliging the Italians to take cover. The fog and rain helped the enemy, who advanced secretly. When the bombardment stopped at four o'clock the Italians believed it was a lull, -as it seemed inadequate preparation for a big attack. The Italians were not on guard when suddenly they saw the enemy storming forward. Next day they discovered that German divisions wero concentrated between Plem and Gorizia. Some of the Italian battalions left their posts and fled without arms or equipment, though others were fighting gallantly at Monte Nero and elsewhere, but the undermined section of the Italian wall of defence had given way, and the rest was vain. The enemy was through. Once across the Isonzo the Austro-Germanj began to pour down the valley towards Cividalo and Udine.

THE RETREAT FROM UDINE.

A WEIRD SCENE.

THE SKY ABLAZE WITH GLARE OF FIRES.

Received Nov. <5, 1.40 a.m. London, Nov. 5. Mr .Ward Price continues: On Saturday morning it was clear that Udine was doomed, and that an immense sacrifice of territory mii6t be made in order to save the third army. As I crossed the Isonzo I found the Italian engineers ready to blow up the bridge. The roads were blocked with carts, motor lorries, and pack animals, though, fortunately, the road was not shelled. The night scenes during the retreat resembled Gubtave Dore's conception of the Day of Judgment. Houses, sheds, depots, and stores of every kind crackled into flames, and the sky was ablaze with the reflected glare The town of Palmanova was accidentally burnt by the flames from burning dumps. In 91 hours my train covered 15 miles, so I got out and 1 walked. On cither side of the train plodded an endless stream of soldiers and fleeing townspeople and peasantry. The retreat continued for four days. Many died, hut hundreds of thousands got behind the Tagliamento somehow. The flooded rivers, marshy district, and torrential rains prevented the AustroGermana from closely pursuing.

BATTLE LIKELY TO CONTINUE,

Received Nov. 0, 1.50 a.m. Rome, Nov. B. The Popolo Romano states that the Tagliamento battle is likely to continue. violently for some time on the Italian left. ENEMY ATTACK REPULSED. London, Nov 4. An Italian official message says: We repulsed a strong attack on our advanced posts in the Daone and Giumelia Valleys, on the Giudicarie sector. AUSTRIAN FLEET READY FOR ACTION. London, Nov. 4. Reports from Berne state that there are great naval preparations at l?o]a and Cattaro. The Austrian fleet, supported by German submarines, is ready tor action.

ITALIANS HOLDING TEUTONS.

GERMAN AID RESTRICTED. Received Nov. <(>, 1.50 a.m. Washington, Nov. u. An official dispatch states the Italians are holding the Teutons everywhere. The French high commission points out that the Anglo-French attacks are compelling Germany to transport more troops to tlie West front, and this will probably restrict the aid which she will be able to extend to Austria on the Italian front until the situation there is relieved.