ALLIED PROGRESS IN THE WEST

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 195, 16 August 1918, Page 5

ALLIED PROGRESS IN THE WEST

ITALIAN ARTILLERY ACTIVE BOLSHEVIK DECLARATION OF WAR The French are reported to be advancing to the northeast of the Lassigny massif, and the Germans are retreating before them. General Humbert delivered a very powerful attack on this front, capturing Ribecourt, on the road between Compiegne and Noyon. A further enemy withdrawal in the Hebuterne sector, north of Albert, is reported, forward positions having been evacuated and occupied by the British. It is believed in some quarters that this retirement preludes another retreat on a big scale. The British aircraft have continuously bombed the bridges and railway lines of the Somme, greatly hampering the operations of the enemy. The Bolshevik Government has declared war upon the Entente. The power of this pro-German party is steadily waning' and some confirmation has been received of the reported flight of Lenin and Trotzky to Kronstad, their disappearance being due to fear of the peasant bands, who are reported to be active in the Petrograd district. The Czechoslovaks in the Siberian area are in danger of being cut off by the German and Bolshevik forces, but the Japanese will probably march to their assistance from Harbin. The Italians have started a vigorous artillery campaign in the Western Trentino, and an offensive may follow. This would seriously threaten the Austrian lines in the Southern Trentino, but there are great natural difficulties to be overcome by the attacking forces.