CADORNA'S DIFFICULT TASK

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 40, 10 November 1917, Page 7

CADORNA'S DIFFICULT TASK

, EXPERT OPINIONS ON THE PROBLEM WITHDRAWAL TO THE ADIGE SUGGESTED Berno, November 8. Several Swiss and Italian military experts consider that General Cadorna should withdraw to the Adige River, from which position a vigorous counteroffensive might destroy the enemy. Thin would mean the abandonment ol the cities of Viconza, Padua, and Venice, which the Italians would not allow. Durimr tho enemv's offensive in May, 1916, General Cadorna to the Government- "If you will permit me to abandon Vicenza for forty-eight hours, I will deliver to tou the Austrian Army." The Government refused the request. The Austrians were defeated, but were not captured.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ( . " ITALIAN OFFICIAL REPORT. (Rec. November 9, 8.20 p.m.) London, November-8. An Italian.official 'report states: "We continued the withdrawal of our line yesterday. The larger .units retired unmolested. There were numerous engagements between the Vittorio Hills and thp confluence of tho Jlonticano River with the Livenza, in -which we succeeded in detaining the enemy's advance. Our aeroplanes renewed their bombardments of the enemy along the Tagliamento."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Keuter. ___ REPORTED BEGINNING OF DECISIVE BATTLE Washington, November 8. Cables from Komo state that a decisive battle is beginning in Italy. The Army is manoeuvring for position, and the Franco-British reinforcements are massing on tho Piave River. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, THE GERMAN REPORT 250,000 PRISONERS AND 2300 GUNS CLAIMED. (liec. November 9, 8.20 p.m.) | London, November 8. A German official report slates: "Our detachments advancing along lie. mountain roads have broken the resistance of the Italian rearguards. An outflanking movement cut off the Tetreat of the Italians in the middle Tagliamento, between Tolmezzo and Gemona, and also the fortified position on. Monte San Simeon. Already wc have taken 17,000 prisoners, including a general, and 80 suns. Fighting has developed on the plain along the Livenai. The AustroGermans are vigorously advancing. In despite of the destruction of the bridges, they forced the crossing of the river nnd threw back tho enemy to the westward. Our total captures to date are ever 250,000 prisoners and 2300 guns.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Keuter. AUSTRIAN ACTIVITY IN THE TRENTINO. Berne, November 8. The "Journal" slates that the Aiwtrians and Germans in the Trentino are seeking to attack Brescia, and there is great activity west of Lake Garda.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. A HOPEFUL VIEW OP THE CRISIS. London, November 8. In a speech ft Manchester Mr. Bonar Law said he believed the Italians would be able to stop (he Germans till the British and French tnnps arrived. If we. obtained a battlefront from tho English Channel to Ibe Adriatic, the Italian reverse might be some advantage.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RED CROSS COMMISSION TO ITALY. . Washington, November 8. Tho Red Cross is sending a commission .-to Italy, to take every 6tep to alleviate tho sufferings of soldiers and civilians.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.