THE ITALIAN DEBACLE.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 1163, 2 November 1917, Page 5

THE ITALIAN DEBACLE.

EXTRICATING THE ARMIES. (A. & N.Z. & Reuter) ROME, Oct. 31. An Italian oflicial message says:— In engagements yesterday in the hills near San Daniele del Friuli, fifteen miles north-west of Udine, along the Ledra canal, at Pasian Schiavonesco, seven miles south-west of Udine, and at Pozzuolo del Friuli, five miles south of Udine, the bravery of our covering units permitted other troops to continue their movement towards a new line. FOLLOWING JOFFRE’S TACTICS, (A. & N.Z.) ROME, Oct. 3L Critics point out that General C<tdorna’s plan is to check the enemy’s advance by establishing defensive positions, in which to break the force of the Austro-German onslaught before initiating counteroffensive, thereby following JolTre’s tactics on the Marne. DISAFFECTION AT WORK. (United) I.ONDON, Oct. 31. The “Pall Mall Gazette" says:— The collapse of the Italian left wing was largely due to enemy pacifist propaganda, which made serious inroads. General Cadorna knew that the Austro-Germans were arriving at Tolmino, but he was unaware of the widespread propaganda until October 24, when it was too late to prevent a retirement. It was disaffection on the part of the Second Army which compelled a retreat on the whole front. UNITED IN FACE OF DANGER. (Reuter) ROME, Oct. 31. Signor Orlando telegraphed to Mr Lloyd George:—The heart of the Italian people beats firm in this hour of greatest trial, and they reaffirm their solidarity in the common struggle. Our spirit does not waver. If the enemy reckons on weakening our internal resistance, he is achieving quite a contrary result, for necessity will unite the strength of our nation. ITALIAN PEOPLE ROUSED. (A. & N.Z.) ROME, Nov. 1. Declaring that Mackenscn and the Germans wantonly and brutally destroyed Italian properly in the invaded districts, the Socialists’ paper, “Popolo dTtalia,” calls upon the new Government to sequestrate all German property, and prohibit Germans and Austrians in Italy from travelling. It is expected that there will be wholesale internments shortly. AN AMERICAN LOAN. (A. A N.Z.) WASH INI'.TON, Oct. 31. The Government has lent Italy 230,000,000 dollars (£47,325,000). Mr Wilson discussed with members of the Cabinet, and agreed In provide coal, foodstuffs, munitions and other assistance. PRISONERS TOTAL 120,000. (A. A N.Z. A Reuter) LONDON, Nov. 1. A German official message says;— There have been successful engagements on the Tagliamento plain. Our prisoners have increased to 120,000 and the guns captured to 1000. BRUSH WITH THE TURKS CAVALRY FIGHT WELL. (A A N.Z.) LONDON, Oct. 31. An Egypt official message says:— Three thousand Turks with twelve guns attacked cavalry outposts on Saturday. Though outnumbered and enveloped the London Yeomanry gallantly held their positions for six hours until reinforced. Our casualties were under one hundred but flic Turkish losses were heavy.

FLANDERS BATTLE LINE. PRESSURE MAINTAINED. (A. & N.Z. & Reuter) LONDON, Nov. 1. The Admiralty reports:—The Naval air service on Monday night raided Sparappclhock and Yarsenaere aerodromes. Visibility was excellent, and the shooting accurate. Our machines all returned. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—Local fighting to-day in the neighbourhood of the Ypres-Standen railway slightly improved our line. The North Staffords in the afternoon carried out a successful raid north-east of Loos, inflicting losses on the enemy. Our casualties were light. The artillery is active, a number of destructive bombardments on hostile positions being carried out. AIR RAIDS ON GERMANY. (A. & N.Z. & Reuter) LONDON, Nov. 1. Sir Douglas Haig reports;— Our bombing squadrons at night time dropped two tons of explosives on the Roulcrs and Inglemunster stations, on moving trains and billets. Our machines attacked steel works and a station at Volkiner, in Germany, with excellent results. Direct hits on a furnace, power house and a train were secured. The weather was brilliantly fine at the outset but turned later to rain and snow. One of our machines has not returned.