THE ITALIAN RETREAT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 1019, 12 November 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIAN RETREAT.

A GALLANT REARGUARD ACTION. SAVES THE MAIN BODjY FROM DISASTER. Received November 12, 9j30 a.m. ROMK, Nov. 11. A few thousands of a certain division, cut off from the main body, at Montefesta and Monte Eansimonc, between the Tagliamento and Lake Cavizza, hold out heroically till Wednesday, when their artillery and ammunition were exhausted. On Tuesday, after destroying the defensive works, they attempted to break through the encirclingenemy masses at the point of the bayonet. Superior numbers overwhelmed them, but, this rearguard action facilitated the main, body’s orderly retreat. AUSTRIA TO PROPOSE AN ARMISTICE. Rccrjvcd November 12, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 11. Viennese papers are giving prominence to a rumour that Austria will propose a general armistice when the advance into Italy ci’<ds. BRIDGES BLOWN UP. ¯alinn-Now Zealand Cable Association. LONDON Nov. 9. Reader’s correspondent at tiro Italian hcadq&iartors status that the bridges over the Liyonza river have been blown up in order to delay the enemy’s advance. Meanwhile tlv' retreat has greatly .shortened the front, which is now scarcely throe miles wide.' This favora'S a concentration foe defence. MORE. ORDERLY RETREAT. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. LONDON, Nov. 11. 'Fire Italia.',i retreat is becoming more orderly. Some who deserted were shot. Many Gcrmaiis were discovered among the retreating refugees, bribing the pcoplo to demand peace. \ ATTACKS REPULSED. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. \ LONDON, Nov. 11l An Italian oflioial message says: We repulsed an attack on ou,r advanced positions in the Codro Valley. There are local engagements between Valsuga.ua and the Piave Valley. ' At Loreiizago one. of our rearguards, which was surrounded, succeeded ju pushing- through and occupied a village. From Suiegumi to the sea onr rearguards disengaged from the enemy, and crossed the river,’ blowing up the bridges. A CHEERING MESSAGE. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. LONDON, .Nov. 9, A wireless Italian official, message says: Our troops continue to arrive, and have established themselves in positions chosen for resistance. Our rear-guards still hold up the enemy. THE GERMAN CLAIM. Auitaallan-New Zealand Cable Association. LONDON,. Nov. 11. A Gorman report says: The Austro-Hun-garians are pressing .forward in the Valsingona- and the upper Piave Valley. They captured Asiago after desperate street fighting, and repulsed the Haitian rearguards, which made a stand westward of Liven/.a. They have reached the Piava from Susegana, as far as the sea. FRANCO-BRITISH soldiers WELCOMED. Australian-New Zealand Cable Association. ROME, Nov. 9. The Mayor of Turin . has issued a manifesto welcoming the Frartco-British soldiers, who continue to arrive in great numbers. All papers are agreed upon the importance of the decisions taken by the recent Allied Conference in Italy. iA permanent intor-AUied Counfcil for the whole of the west front has been established. General Foch represents France, General Henry Wilson, England, and General Cadorna, Italy. General Diami succeeds (Cadorna, an Commandor-in-Chiof.

oral Cadorna, Italy. General Diami succeeds (Oadonia. bh Commander-in-Chief. GENERAL CADORNA'S SUCCESSOR COMMANDED THE ARMY CUnPo ON THE ISONZO. Received November 12, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, Nov. 11. Cadorna's successor is General Diaz, a Neapolitan with a distinguished career, but comparatively unknown outside of military circles. He is fifty-six years of age, and his ancestors fought in the Napoleonic wars. He fought in tliie Abyssinian Libyan wars, and was wounded. He commanded the army corps on the lsonzo, and possesses volcanic energy.