ENCIRCLING MOVE BROKEN.

Northern Advocate, 14 November 1917, Page 3

ENCIRCLING MOVE BROKEN.

ASUMO SUCCESS ADMITTED.

LOWER PIAVE STAND,

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, LONDON, November 12.

The United Press Association's Rome correspondent states that fierce rearguard actions are in progress in the Piave zone, south of Chiarano, The enemy attempted aii encircling movement with the object of cutting off the Italian infantry, but the cavalry counter-attacked and cleared the road for the infantry to continue their retreat. Heavy rain is again falling, increasing the defensive value of the rivers.

Mr Ward Price says that the Italian army is practically established upon its next river line. The first Austrian shells are already falling in the neighbourhood of the positions where the next great defensive battle wiil be fought. The supreme need now is that the Allied plans shall be carried out with the utmost energy and speed. It is understood that it has been arranged that Anglo-French assistance for Italy shall be equally divided., Rome advices report that there, is growing movement in favour hi more complete mobilisation and closing the theatres. The first batches of permanently disabled soldiers have gone to the front to encourage the fighters.

The newspapers note with pleasure that the Prince of Wales is cordially welcomed in the villages wherever ne is seen. He walks the streets without escort. His presence in Italy at a time of crisis is regarded as proof

of England's warmest sympathy.

A German official report states::— We captured the stubbornly defended bridgehead at Vidor, on the Upper Piave. Strong Italian forces attacked and pressed back our forces near Asiago. We captured Bellun, >n the head waters of the Piave. The '.nemy made a stand on the Lower •ip.ve.