Progress of the War

Press, Volume LIII, Issue 15918, 4 June 1917, Page 6

Progress of the War

After a, lengthy period of uncertainty ■ regarding the prospects of any further ' Russian intervention, a marked change ' has occurred in tho situation, and it would seem that Russia has again girded her loins for another major of- ' fensivo. There have been reports dur- ■ ing the last few weeks that tho Russian i army was ready to advance; statements ' havo been made regarding the supplies of munitions in hand, and there have ■ been many indications that a Russian ( "come-back" was by no means imi probable. To-day's communiques show that hostilities have again brokon out on the Riga front, where the Russian artillery has inflicted much serious I damage on the enemy'g military orgoni- ; sations. There has been unprecedented I aerial activity on both sides, the rei port states, and adds that companies from the Potrograd garrison are on their way to tho front—"to fight and not to fraternise." The fact that all Gorman commanders on tho Russian front have demanded immediate reinforcements in view of "a grave change in tho situation," suggests that tho Allied diplomacy has triumphed, and that tho German machinations havo been brought to nought. If Marshal von ' Hindonburg has unduly weakened his Eastern front to enable him to hold up tho British and French forces in France, a sudden blow by Russia may shatter liis lines, but further details will bo necessary bofore tho situation can bo gauged with any degree of accuracy. On tho Western front much activity is reported, mainly in tho nature of local engagements, artillery duels, and aorial activity. Some idea of tlje results of the Allies' ceaseless hammering upon the German lines can be gained by a study of the figures contributed by correspondents at Headquarters. On the Isonzo front the Italians havo repulsed further Austrian attacks, and a surprise attack southward of Castagnavizza, on the Carso plateau, gainod them an advance of 40t> metres on a two kilometre front. A message from the correspondent with the Egyptian forccs disposes of Turkish claims, and indicates that much good work is being don© in a quiet way by the forces in this theatre of tho war.