SLACKENING OFF

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 49, 26 February 1916, Page 5

SLACKENING OFF

THE ATTACK ON VERDUN

FRENCH HOLD LINE UNBROKEN FIRMLY ESTABLISHED IN NEW POSITIONS AMERICA AND PIRATE BLOCKADE PRESIDENT ADAMANT TO GERMAN INFLUENCES For three months the Germans have been organising their attack upon the outer fortifications of Verciun, but, in spite of al' their elaborate preparations and precautions, they failed to taxe the French by surprise. The slight progress they have made causes no misgiving to the Allied commanders, who have no fear of the future of the action, provided the enemy launches no new devilry, such as the first gas attack on the Ypres salient. That the Germans expected much of the attack is evident from an army order issued by yon Deimling, in which he.informed his soldiers that the final offensive against France was beginning. Since then masses of men have been flung against the French line with appalling prodigality, the success attained being in no degree proportionate to the terrific losses involved. The village of Haumont has been evacuated in order to avoid needless sacrifices and to rectify the line, but fierce attacks on the line of resistance organised by the French behind the former lines have failed completely, according to the French communique, and General Humbert, who is in -charge of the defence, is apparently well satisfied with the course of events. The French losses have been slight, owing to the precautions taken before the attack. Minor operations are recorded from the Russian front, the oJy important fighting being between the Pruth and the Dniester, where the Russians gained another success. " Teutonic influences are being brought to bear to induce President Wilson to warn Americans against voyaging in merchantmen armed for defence. Democratic leaders are endeavouring to dragoon the President into subscribing to the sink-at-sight policy, but Mr. Wilson has developed unexpected backbone, and refuses to sanction the newer policy. Intense interest 1 has been aroused in America in the resultant controversy. It is reported that the Russians have surrounded a Turkish iߣmy-corps inthe.Mu&b-area, and that the Turks are hastening evacuation of Tfebizond.