AUSTRIAN COUNTER-OFFENSIVE IN THE TRENTINO

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3093, 25 May 1917, Page 5

AUSTRIAN COUNTER-OFFENSIVE IN THE TRENTINO

■ v ' . ITALIANS RECOVER LOST POSITIONS HEAVY REVERSE TO THE ENEMY The High, Commissioner reports :— ■ , . London, May 23, 4.25 p.m. Bonie official report:—"ln the Travignolo Valley there was very severe fighting on Monday night. After a violent bombardment, destroying our positions on the massifs of Piccolo and Golbricon, an enemy attacking force penetrated part of our lino despite stubborn resistance. The arrivali of our supports led to violent fighting lasting until yesterday afternoon, and resulted in the recapture of the whole position. One hund red dead were left on the field, aud there is other considerable evidence of tho enomy'e heary reverse."

SUCCESSFUL ATTACK BY THE FRENCH GOOD RESULTS AT THREE POINTS COUNTER-ATTACKS SMASHED WITH HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES (By Telegraph—Presß Association—Copyright). ■ London, May 23i ■ A. French officiat communique states:—"Wβ attacked at three points on tho front at Vauclere and the California plateau with good results. We continued the.capture of the last observation points dominating the Ailetto Valley, and greatly extended our positions on the northern slopes. We carried threo lines of trenches in the region east of ChevTeux, and smashed a counter-attack on our new positions on the California plateau with heavy losses to our assailants Three hundred and fifty prisoners were taken. An attempt by the enemy westwavd of Epavges failed."—Ans.-N.Z. Cable' Assn.-Reuter. ARTILLERY ACTIVITY AND COUNTER-ATTACKS. (Eec. May 24, 8.40 p.m.) London, May 23. A French official communique states:—"On the Cheinin des Dames front the enemy bombarded the positions we occupied. In the region of the plateau Vaucierc and California plateau the enemy's artillery is brisk. In the region south of Movonvillers our five broke an attack on High Mount."—Aus.-N.7,. Cable Assn.-Keuter. • LOCAL ACTIONS ON THE. BRITISH FRONT The High Commissioner reports:— London, May 23, 1.15 p.in, Sir Douglas Haig reports:— In the neighbourhood of Bullecourt last night, the enemy again heavily bombarded our positions on the Hindenburg line. Our artillery vigorously replied, and no hostjle attack developed. South-eastward of Gavrelle we carried out a successful raid early this morning. A number of Germans were killed, we suffering no casual ties. Northward of Armentieres we took a few prisoners as the result of patrol encounters at different points." (Rec. May 24, 5.50 p.m.) London, May 24. Sir Douglas Haig- reports:—"There is nothing of special interest to' report. Less aerial activity prevails owing to unfavourable weather."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeutor. • ■ THE GERMAN REPORT London, May 23. A German official message states:—"We Tcpulsed several English advances at Hullucb. and Bullecourt. Strong French attacks in the wood at La A T ailleui failed."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THREATENING THE NEXT GERMAN RETREAT London, May 23. Correspondents at the .British front state that we are slowly increasing the ground won on tho Hindenburg line around Bullecourt, and extending our gains in a tunnel under the enemy's support lines, so threatening the retreat to the next section of tho German defences. Eeinforoements are being heavily punished while moving across the open to the left of Many prisoners are being dug out of the ruins of the Hindenburg lino near Fontaine. Thoy describe as awful the tension of awaiting an attack when a bombardment hn3 commenced. VON HINDENBURG MUCH CONCERNED. (Roc. May 21, 5.5 p.m.) ' . ' London, May 23. Correspondents at French Headquarters state that von Hindenburg has been visiting the French sector of ttio battle front. Ho directly inspired the offoneivo on both wings—at tho Aisno and in tho Champagne. Apparently he is much concerned over the French capturing important observation positions. The enemy's assaults were made by German storming troops of the stoutest quality. The French, however, are well prepared, and are gradually wearing down tho onslaughts.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FRENCH PREMIER REPLIES TO CRITICS

"FAULTS HAVE BEEN COMMITTED, AND CHANGES MADE."

Replying in the Chamber of Deputies to numerous interpellations regarding Hie offensive, M. Bibot (the Premier) said:—"Perhaps tj, m ] mvo i, c[m f au it s committed, perhaps the French people expected too much. Nevertheless, wo have forced all the German reserves to come nut against us. Otherwise the Germans would thomselvos have attacked. Notico has been Ufc ca of the faults committed, and change* havo been made." Tho submarine menace, M. Eibol, said, Jβ elill a>bis question, tat iecent statistiw ehow that (lie noril is greatly lessened. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, ■ J