New-York tribune., 1917-10-31
Teutons, Attacking
From Carnic Alps,
Threaten to
Turn Line
Retreat Goes On
In Good Order
Cadorna's Cavalry
Hampers Advance
of the Austro-
Germans

LONDON, Oct. 30.-The Italians are
in complete but orderly retreat toward
their second defensive system behind
the Tagliamento River. from the Carnic
Alps to the sea. Udine, former head
quarters of Cadorns's army in Eastern
Venetia, has been occupied By the
Austro-Germans. The entire lsonzo
line has been abandoned by the Ital-
ians, following the destruction of all
bridges.
Along the whole battle front Ca
dorna's cavalry units are keeping in
touch with the enemy and retarding
his advance. All indications now point
to the successful retirement Of the
Italian armies behind the Tagliamento
line, which has been powerfully forti-
fed for years past for just such an
emergency as now confronts the ltsl-
ians.
The greatest menace TO the Italian
army now lies in the fanking move
ment, already begun by the invaders,
from the Carnic Alps, aimed at the
turning of the Upper Tsglismento line
before Csdorna firmly establishes him
self behind the river. Austro- German
advanced units are now pressing
against the northern reaches OF the
stream. after debouching from the
mountain region north Of Fitch and
Tolmino.
Complete Disaster Possible
Ii they should be able TO effect a
crossing and transport strong forces to
the western bank before the Italians
take up their position along the lower
part of the river it is very probable the
whole Italian flank would be turned and
complete disaster threaten the country.
Such a possibility is still very remote,
however, and most military observers
look for an orderly retirement By Ca
dorna TO his we'll prepared lines behind
the river.
One other danger, still further re-
moved. confronts the Italians i'll their
retreating movement 70 the Taglia-
mento line, and that is the possibility
Of strong enemy movement from the
Trentino.
A Teuton army cutting down across
the frontier from this district would be
driving against the rear Of the Italian
lines, the Trentino being to the north
west Of the present field Of battle. IL
might also conceivably close the
Franco Italian border and prevent the
sending Of supplies TO Cadorna. So far.
however, there have been no signs OF
coming activity b. the enemy on this
front.
A great deal depends now upon the
stand the I'd and Sd Italian armies
are able TO make on the Plains OF
Friui. In this they will be greatly
aided by the British batteries, which
have been in action along the lsonzo
since last May and all of which arc re-
ported 70 have been saved.
The most distressing need of Ca
dorna's troops At the moment is guns
and ammunition with which 20 prevent
the enemy from pressing too danger
ously close TO the retreating armies
before they reach the safety fthe new
line. Realizing this, frantic efforts are
being made By France and Britain TO
supply their ally with munitions before
il becomes too late.
Despite the crushing blows delivered
by Won Bellows forces along the
Julian front. there is every indication
that the bulk of Cadorns's army has
been drawn out Of the trap, and, with
French and British reinforcements, will
stem the Teuton wave at the Taglia-
mento.
Austrians Claim Collapse
The Austrian War Office declares to-
night that the Carna front has col
lapsed "on its most important sectors,
and that in the midst of snowstorms
the Austrian troops have wrested from
the Italians frontier positions near
Jarvis, Pontafel. Ploecken and ST. Pal
which il took two and a half years TO
build up.
The material captured by the Austro-
German forces since the great offensive
began, says the Vienna communique
exceeds by far the booty which fell
into our hands as A result of our Ga
licisn and Polish summer offensive in
1915"
Neither the German nor the Austrian
statement. however, claims the capture
Of prisoners to-day on as large scale
as during the preceding few days. and
this is taken as an indication that the
Italian cavalry is successfully screening
the retreat of the main armies The
Teuton commanders already claim the
capture of more than 100000 prisoners
| and 700 guns, however.
Italian dispatches state that most OF
the guns taken by the enemy were OF
small calibre, and that all the big gun
emplacements along the Isonzo and be.
yond we're destroyed before Cadorns
gave the word to retreat.