HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE TAGLIAMENTO

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 38, 8 November 1917, Page 5

HEAVY PRESSURE ON THE TAGLIAMENTO

ITALIANS FORCED BACK

TERRITORY EVACUATED TO ESTABLISH A NEW LINE

By Telegraph—Preea Association—Copyright London, November 6. An Italian official report states:— Tho enemy has intensified his pressure from the Upper Tagliamonto against our left wing, and , has also pushed detachments towards the middlo and lower course of the river. In order to establish a new line, we were compelled to evaeuato portions of territory in tho mountainous area, which the enemy has occupied.'—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

THE GERMAN REPORT

London, November 6. A. German official report stales:—"We are in possession of the whole of the 'J'agliamento line to the coast, and the Italians are retreating between tho mounlainß and the sea, leaving conflagrations behind, which indicate the rputo of their retirement. Our pressure has compelled tho Italians to ,givo up the mountain front from the Folia Valley as far as Mount Col Bricon, north of tho Sugaiia. V'alloy, a width of 150 kilometres (95 miles). Tho enemy is retreating, and wo lmvo commenced further operations."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Keutor. (Roe. Tvovember 7, 11 p.m.) London, November fi. A G'erman official report stales:—"Our pursuit of the Italians is in pro-gress."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Kcutor.

ALLIED REINFORCEMENTS POURING IN

London, November G. Allied reinforcements aro pouring into Italy day and night. A semi-official report from Paris states that if the hostile pressure on tho western bank of the Tatfliainento increases, as it probably will do, General Cudorna's army may bo obliged to retire to new positions on the Piavo River, vhero tho arrival of the British and French forces will doubtless succeed in stopping tho hostile rush.— lteuter.

THE LATEST NEWS-SITUATION STILL GRAVE

PLAVE LINE ONLY FIFTEEN MILES FROM VENICE,

(Kec. November T, 7.45 p.m.)

London, November 6 Tho Italian situation continues to be grave. The new rolxeat covers a front of ono hundred miles. Large zones of consolidated defences have been abandoned. The troops aro still desperately fatigued, and possess few guns. The Austro-Germans are bringing sufficient TTght artillery forward to break up the Italian formations. Tho Plave lino promises strong features, but it is only fifteen miles from Venice. The essence of tho German propaganda in Italy was the old lie that the Germans were rescuing the country from British tyranny; representing that England was revelling in luxury while allowing her victims fo freeze, starve, and die. This lie was skilfully used in both Italy and Ifussia— United Service.

A CLOCK WORK RETIREMENT

(Rec. November 7, 11 p.m.)

London, November 6. Mr. Jeffries states.— Tho enemy s cavalry were the first of his troop 3 across the Tagliamento. Tho Italian cavalry drove them back, but had to retire before tho enemy's motor-machine guns. The general retirement continues in complete order, working to time-table. The enemy's scouts aro twelve miles westward of Tagliamento."—"The Times."

SOULLESS REJOICINGS IN BERLIN

BELL-RINGING AND FLAG-FLYING, BUT NO ENTHUSIASM,

Rome, November 6. Telegrams from Berne show that efforts are being made to evoke enthusiasm in Germany by bell-ringing and ft display of flags, in celebration of the invasion of Italy. "There if, however, disappointment, as the people realise that it is more likely to prolong the war than to bring peace. Many declare that the success in Italy does not balance the reverses in the West; also that the masses of guns employed in Italy would bo more useful on the West front— Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn.