Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15486, 13 January 1916, Page 6

Progress of the War.

The view expressed yesterday that tho forces under Major-Generals Aylmer and Campbell were not in touch with the British garrison at Kut-el-Amara, is confirmed by to-day's messages. It is stated that they left Ali Gharbi, one hundred miles south-east of Ivut-el-Ainara, last Thursday, in an endeavour to relieve Major-General Townshend. Major-Gencral Aylmer, who is on the left, or northern, bank of tho Tigris, made good progress until ho was hampered by bad weather, and the necessity of despatching his wounded down stream. It is announced that the enemy has been located six miles eastward of Kut-el-Amara. "While tho position at Kut is somewliat serious, the approach of General Aylmer's force, together with that of General Campbell, who is working up tho right bank of tho river, should relievo the situation. There seoms to bo little doubt that a decisive battle will bo fought vicinity of Kut-el-Amara. On the "Western front activity is mainly confined to tho Champagne district, where the fighting is said to be of the most violent character. The Germans appear to have attempted an offensive movement on a large scale, thought" on a narrow front. Tho French communique says that three German divisions, representing approximately GO.OCO men, wero engaged in tho attack, which was oompletely abortive. Previous messages indicated that the enemy gained a footing at several points in the French first-line trenches, but the latest reports confirm the claims that artillery-fire and counterattacks completely repulsed this important movement. The French counter-attacks drove the enemy from the advanced observation posts, which he snccoeded in occupying, except in a small rectangle west of the farm lmown as Maisons de Champagne, which is on the road leading to the north-east past Butte do Mesnil. Even here the enemy detachments are said to be maintaining themselves with difficulty. Tho French inflicted very heavy losses on tho enemy. A German wireless message claims that a French advance north of Massigea was repulsed, 480 prisoners being taken. The news from Montenegro, where the Austrians appear to be conducting an offensive on a somewhat extensive scale, is not good. The enemy claims the capture ofMount Lovchen, the important height commanding the port and the upper reaches of Cattaro harbour, which is an important Austrian naval base in'tho Southern Adriatic. The Montenegrins yesterday admitted the loss of their first line on Mount Lovchen, and today's communique says the Austrians are still fiercely attacking and constantly using gas. The loss of an important position is also admitted from Cettinje. The loss of Mount Lovchen would be a serious blow, not only to the gallant Montenegrins,. who have resistod numerous attacks during the last sixteen months, but also to the Italians, who will doubtless make every effort to prevent it passing Into Austrian hands. Cattaro harbour, which is encircled by high hills, is practically impregnable to attack from the «e», and forms a serious menace to Italian supremacy in the Adriatic. There is no change on the Eastern front. The Russians claim that the enemy has suffered enormous losses, and is so disorganised by his desperate and fruitless counter-attacks, that he is unable to hinder the consolidation of captured positions. This argues that the Russians are making sure of their ground preparatory to a resumption of the offensive.