CLOSING OF THE DANUBE

Auckland Star, Volume XLVII, Issue 207, 30 August 1916, Page 5

CLOSING OF THE DANUBE

WHX HIT THE TEUTONS HARD. I ——— N. (Renter's Telegn una.) ' LONDON, August 29. . During the last Balkan war Rumania was able to mobilise 600,000 men, and 'will probably do better now. There have been many reports of considerable increases in her artillery,. which is beilieved'to be particularly strong. Her four river monitors should be of considerable use on the Danube. It is understood, some destroyers will soon be added to her small navy. The "Paris Journal" says: "Rumania's support will be of great "strategic value to the Allies. By closing the Danube. Rumania can stop, the flow of munitions and supplies through the one great channel of communication between the Central Powers, and the .Balkans. Rumania's action is a grave blow to the Central Powers." ; " -''"• BACK TO THE BALKANS. GERMANY IN A RING FENCELONDON, August 29. Rumania's declaration of war has evoked jubilant comments in Rome, where it is described as a historic stroke of justice, marking the beginning of a i phase of great tribulation for the enemy. jlt is pointed' out that one of the most important consequences will be the final enclosure of Germany in a formidable blockade supplemented by concentric advances on all military fronts. Some critics point out that the war has returned with the greatest intensity to the Balkans, where it originated, and where, perhaps,, it will find its solution. The wisdom of the Allies in holding" Salonika is now ,recognised, as a stroke of genius. It is considered that Greece is' now also bound to come in. PLAYING FOR BIG STAKES. THE WORLD'S FUTURE. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) PARIS, August 29. The Prime Minister (M. Briand) telegraphed to 31. Bratiano (Prime Minister of Rumania): "The whole French nation applauds Rumania's courageous decision to take her place among the defenders of the right and 'of civilisation. The triumph of our common efforts will assure a victory which will permit Rumania to realise her national aspirations." The "Temps"' says that the enemy has already lost the military initiative, and now sees her diplomacy, miscarry. The decisions of Italy and of Rumania clearly show that a change has come over the great game in which the world's future is staked. There are signs of victory on the horizon. The "Journal des. Debats" says the declaration of war will help the" Allies to accomplish their task and to convince the Germans that Providence does not approve her dominion over the world. BEST THING SINCE THE MARNE CUTTING OFF ENEMY'S OIL. NEW YORK, August 29. A telegram from Washington reports that in State circles Rumania's entry into the war is regarded as the most propitious event for the Allies since the battle of the Marne. 'Mr MacKallum, the manager of the ] largest oil company in Rumania, who has I been interviewed, says that factories in Rumania have been working day and night for months making munitions. The country is now thoroughly equipped. He states that the Central Powers have been depending largely on Rumania s great petrol supplies, of which they arc now . deprived. • j . RACKING THE RIGHT HORSE. J (Received 9.5 a.m.) MELBOURNE, this day. Flag 3 were flown yesterday from the Parliament Buildings and Government offices to mark Rumania's declaration of war. Mr. G. F. Pearee (Minister for Defence), in the course of an interview, said that Austria must be feeling the strain. Rumania, said the Minister, had lufficicnt sense to back the winning horse.