Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LII, Issue 15751, 18 November 1916, Page 8

Progress of the War.

Undoubtedly the news that will give most satisfaction to-day is the announcement that the Allies have made a most substantial advance against Monastir. French and Serbian troops, working in conjunction, have now effected a lodgment on the plain before Monastir, and are within three and three-quarter miles of tho town, itself. Hitherto the rugged mountain passes have been impeding operations, but by the capture of Kenali admission has been gained through tho natural gateway to tho plain. The railway lino from Salonica runs through Kenali, and its capture and all that it involves represent a most decided gain. Many German prisoners have been taken in the course of the recent fighting, thus proving that heavy German reinforcements had been sent to this front in spite of the warning given to the Bulgarians j recently by the German commander that they mu,st rely upon themselves. On tho Struma tho British have made some gains which may be but tho prelude to greater efforts. In tho other Balkan theatre, the enemy, heavily reinforced. would still seem to be in dangerous mood, fo r retirements in two areas have been admitted by the Roumanians, although elsewhere they claim tho repuke of attacks with very heavy I losses to the foe. The setting in of winter should shortly be giving some relief to the Roumanians. On tiie Italian front, tho Austrmns are reported to be massing troops for a heavy effort in the Trentino, as an offset to the

Italian gains on the Carso. On the last occasion that this was attempted sensational progress was made for a spell, but tbo inevitable retribution came, and in the upshot the Austrian columns were flans back with conspicuous loss. On this occasion the Italians, having past experience to guide them, should make an even better stand against any attempted offensive. Heavy counter-attacks on the part of the enemy and the consolidation of recent gains are reported from th c West Greater and greater tributes are being paid to the magnitude of the victory won on the Ancre, and not the least

satisfying item of praise is the admission from a German journal that the British are now using their men economically and to the best advantage.