Question:
a) May a 7MP unit retreat into an owned, but unoccupied hex in an enemy ZOC without being cadre/Eliminated?
b) May a 7MP unit retreat into an owned, but unoccupied hex in an enemy ZOC
without being cadred/eliminated while carting 1sp?

Answer:
a) No. The special ability of units with a printed movement
rating of 6, 7, or 8 to ignore ZOCs when retreating (including retreats
before combat) only applies if the unit retreats to a
friendly-owned/occupied hex. If it retreats to a friendly-owned, but
unoccupied hex, it would be subject to elimination/reduction to
cadre/remnant due to the retreat.

b) No, see above

Source:
Arthur E. Goodwin posted on the Europa Association mailing List at Yahoo,
11:47am Jun 27, 2002 PST