Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LI, Issue 15462, 15 December 1915, Page 6

Progress of the War.

There are no outstanding or bensational features in to-day's war news. A German communique says the situation in the Balkans has not materially changed, and this is confirmed by the official statement from Paris. Tho Germans announce that, the Bulgarians havo captured Doiran. By way of impressing neutral countries, they assert that there are not any British or French troops at liberty in Macedonia. This is doubtless intended to convey tho impression that tho Bulgarians have driven the Allies back over the Greek frontier. The French more reasonably explain the position by saying that their retirement over difficult country has been effected without mishap, and according to their plans, all material being saved. The German claim that nearly two English divisions" wero annihilated is an exaggeration. The composition of the British forc 0 has not been disclosed, but it is doubtful whether it exceeded two divisions. The War Office statement regarding tho British retirement, assessed tho casualties at 1500. It seems fairly ccrtain that Greece has consented to grant the Allies the facilities demanded in regard to Salonica. The Austrians claim further successcs against tho Serbians in the south-east corner of Montenegro. There is a repetition of tho German report that the Allies are transporting Serbian troops from Albania to Salonica. From Mesopotamia General Townshend reports that his positions at Kut-el-Amara were bombarded on several days last week. Two Turkish attacks on Friday wero not pressed, and a further attack on Saturday was repulsed. Sinc 0 Saturday tho enemy has shown less activity. It is pleasing to knovj- that reinforcements for General Townshend arc pushing on towards Kut-el-Amara. On tho Western front there have been very lively artillery actions in Artois, and also north of the Aisno and in Champagne. The French report the destruction of a number of German defence works. Sir John French reports tho shelling with heavy howitzers of enemy positions east of Ypres and north of the La Basseo canal. This is satisfactory evidence of the increasing ascendancy of the Allies' I artillery. Doubtless the Ktate of the | weather precludes the possibility of i infantry attacks.