ITALY.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 November 1917, Page 5

ITALY.

THE RETREAT ENDED. ITALIANS COUNTER-ATTAOK. New York, Nov. 14. Official Heme advices state that the Italians counter-attacked and regained positions at Gallizo. There are indications that it is unlikely there will lie a further retreat. FRANCO-BRITISH FORCES. COMMANDED BY FRENCH GENERAL. Received Nov. 15, 7.45 p.m. London, Nov. 14. The Press Bureau makes the statement that General Fayolle will command jthe Franco-British forces in Italy. It was incorrect tltat the British were not operating under a French general. BRITISH FORCES UNDER OWN COMMANDERS.

Received Nov. 15, 10.30 p.m. London, Nov. 14. The War Office reports that tho British troops will bo under their own commanders. A GERMAN REPORT. London, Nov. 14. A Wireless German official mesMgo pays: We stormed a snowclad hill position east of Asiago and an armored work at Montellisser. Wo have captured Primolano and Feltre.

CRUX OF ITALIAN POSITION.

, HOLDING OF PIAVE LINE. ' TILL ALLIES REACH. Keceived Nov. 18, 12.30 a.m. \ London, Nov. 15. The whole of the Italian question turns on-whether they can hold the Piave line; If they cannot, the situation will ba critical, as, for the next few days, the Italians must themselves hold the line until the Anglo-French reach the front, which will not, he for some time yet. The danger at .present is that the Italian line rests on the Trentino j.front and the (plains. If the enemy gains a success in the. Trentino he will cut off the Italians fnom the plains. On the other hand the mountainous country is very defensible,, and it is difficult for largo forces to 'get through. The advance of winter will assist the defenders. Those on the Piave lino have had time to prepare for resistance. The fact that the enemy lines of communication are becoming longer necessitates time to bring their big guns. Every day the Piave. line is held makes the position more satisfactory. The enemy has not crossed tho Piave in any force, there being a few only who got over at one point. In the. original break through, tho Germans had three divisions in the first line and three divisions in support. ENEMY ATTACKS FAIL. LIVELY COMBATS AT ASIAGO. ATTEMPT TO GROSS RIVER FAILS. Aus. and N.Z. Cable Assoc, and Reuter. | Received Nov. 15, 11.30 p.m. London, Nov. 14. A wireless Italian official report states: The enemy's surprise attacks against positions from Lake Ledro to Lake Garda completely failed, the enemy being compelled to retire. Our troops on the Asiago plateau, occupying advanced positions at Monte Longara, having repulsed four attacks, withdrew to a line further in the rear. Lively combats have occurred between Asiago and the Sugana valley, and between Brenta and the Piave. The enemy now occupies the front Tizze-Lamon-Fonzaso-Arten-Feltre.

There has been intense artillerying along the Piave.. An enemy attempt to cross the river at San Donna di Piavre and Intestadura failed. Desperate fighting occurred at Dipapadoli and Zenson. The enemy penetrated tho marshy region •between Piavre and Vecchia, where the enemy was held up.

CRACK FRENCH TROOPS. ASSISTING THE ITALIANS. Washington, Nov. 14, A dispatch v from Rome to the World says that the troops assisting the Italians include the French Chasseurs.