THE ITALIAN RETREAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 1015, 7 November 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIAN RETREAT.

I (By Electric TelegraphCopj

WEATHER FAVOURS THE ENEMY

; THE LAKE GARDA ATTACK. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association LONDON, Nov. 5. Mr Ward Price telegraphs:—Enemy pa ■ trolr> crossed the Taghaineiito on tin* Ital 1 ians’ left. Even if the retirement must Iw 'continued to a stronger line, the retreat will be a fighting withdrawal, owing to tin delay which crossing the Tagliainentc i caused to the Austro-Cernians.- Tho rain ■ has ceased and the floods, which might have lasted for weeks, have unfortunately subsided. Largo forces of Austrians are five miles beyond Tagiiamento, using Pinzanc as a bridgehead, but the crossing does not imply a fresh Austrian victory, as tho river is only the first line of defence upon which Cadorna is depending. Tin* struggle will largely consist, of a race between the enemy heavy artillery and that of the Allied reinforcements. The Italians are sorting themselves out, and are being re-equipped, but the inevitable shortage of ammunition and ihe considerable loss of guns is a grave drawback to the Italian defences, though their position is naturally strong and capable of being made stronger. It is believed that the Austrian attack west of lake Garda is only a feeler, but the Italians in the Trcntino must bo ready for severe trials.

right. —Per Press Association.)