File No. 763.72/7577
The Ambassador in Italy ( Page) to the Secretary of State
[Received November 5, 6.30 a.m.]
1181. I judge from reports deemed reliable attitude of people throughout Italy reasonably satisfactory except in Florence where much antiwar feeling, but Sonnino who is Florentine says they are not active propagandists. However refugees who have lost everything are spreading through Italy by thousands and from two to three hundred thousand strikers from the Second Army are not yet reorganized. Sonnino leaves to-night to confer with Lloyd George and the French Minister, Generals Robertson and Foch also going. Present outbreak indicates that Italy will continue fight if military situation admits. According to reports deemed reliable this situation is: Italians retiring from the Tagliamento line where left wing was pushed back after heroic fighting, several cavalry regiments having been annihilated. This retirement on Piave line caused withdrawal of Fourth Army from Carnia, Dolomite Range, where it had just captured Mount Marmolada. Germans, Austrians have massed heavy forces in Trentino and intend making from there strongest attack which if successful will necessitate retiring from Piave to Adige line. This will lose Venice but Cadorna says Adige [Page 289] line can be held and Italy can still win in plain. Spirit of Fourth Army said to be fine, that of First and Third good. The foregoing is based on best obtainable information. Official reports contain little and people are gradually learning real situation. Considering the extraordinary propaganda, Austrian and other, against keeping on, I think the people as a whole have shown great resistance.