THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume VII, Issue 330, 29 November 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIAN FRONT.

Preparing for Knock-out Blow. Enemy Digging in. Fear Italian Counter-Offensive. [PRICM ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT, j [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] Rome, November 28. The Austro-Gcrmans arc bringing a vast concentration of artillery in order to overcome the mountainous barriers protecting the Venetian Plain. During the last twenty-four hours the enemy has constantly attacked, and has been met by a determined Italian resistance. Massed German attacks were also cut tq pieces in two attempts to capture Italian shore positions on the Lower Piave.

ITALY’S INCREASING STRENGTH. LOST GUNS REPLACED. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] Rome, November 28. A correspondent of the ” Mcssagero ” states that the Italian reserves have been completely re-organised, enabling fresh troops to be continually launched against the enemy. The Italian factories have replaced the whole number of guns lost, apart from the Allied artillery. ' The numerical superiority of the Italian troops is now restored.

FAMOUS ENEMY DIVISION SEVERELY THRASHED AT COLBORETTA. [AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION AND HKUTI.iI. ] I ADMIHALTY PER WUIMLWB PIMUH.J London, November 28. An Italian semi-official message states that the renowned Austrian 3rd Edelweiss Division, composed of troops of German extraction, and other enemy forces, were severely beaten at Colboretta. They made massed attacks after heavy drum fire. Their crushingly superior fire and numbers enabled the assailants to penetrate our advanced line and reach a mountain battery. Our fierce counter-attacks, in the face of a violent barrage, resulted in the enemy’s rout. Thus an attempted advance along the Vai Sugana was frustrated.

ENEMY DIGGING IN. FEAR ITALIAN COUNTER-OFFENSIVE. (AUSTRALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] (Received 29, 11.25 a.m.) Rome, November 28. The Idea Nazionale ” states that the Germans, fearing an Italian counter-offensive on the Piave, are forcing all civilians to dig trenches. \

ALLIES PREPARING FOR A GREAT BLOW. HUNS UNDER-ESTIMATE”ANGLO-FRENCII STRENGTH. [AUSTBALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] (Received 29, 12.25 p.m.) New York, November 28. The ” New York World’s ” correspondent at Italian headquarters states that the Allies are preparing for a great blow. The Germans realise that they under-estimated the ability of Great Britain and France to send reinforcements. ITALIAN CRISIS PASSED. CHEERING NEWS. [AUSTBALIAN AND NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.] (Received 29, 1.40 p.rn.) London, November 28. A high military authority has announced definitely that the Italian crisis has passed.