FOCH'S COUP

Greymouth Evening Star, 22 July 1918, Page 5

FOCH'S COUP

ENEMY OUGHT NAPPING

BRITISH NOW ATTACKING

I fIISRS! fUf&FaM I/hW i/lfOil&f 9 ull

PRISONERS KB

WESTERN THEATRE. IMPORTANT VICTORY. GERMANS' RESERVES USED. LONDON, July 20. Router's French Headquarters correspondent, writing on Thursday /evening, states that the importance of the success becomes hourly clear. The advance cut Soissons and Thierry highway and the Soissons-Villiers railway at several points. - The Germans' infiltration movements were affected by the cavalry riding through the gaps- in the enemy'sl retracing lines and establishing themselves in villages further ahead. Writing on Friday afternoon the correspondent says that the night was relatively calm at the Aisne and Marne fronts. The German reserves were brought up in considerable strength and the fight was most bitter. TEN THOUSAND PRISONERS. Over ten thousand were taken prisoners and over fifty guns were captured. The enemy made a move up the river towards Epernay, but they seem to be definitely arrested. The corespondent at the French Headquarters writing on the evening of the 19th says that the Americans and French south of Soissons launched a, second attack at noon and swept on so fast that the cavalry were thrown in during the afternoon. All of the headquarters staff tonight was Well inside the captured territory. AMERICANS CAPTURE MATERIAL The Americans, south of Soissons, up to noon counted 2500 prisoners and fifty guns. They also captured an immense quantity of material, including several aeroplanes, which the enemy was unable to remove. Many prisoners were not counted. The Americans north of ChateauThierry have captured more prisoners, with an equal quantity of ma.terial. THE GERMAN BREAKDOWN. HOW IT WAS BROUGHT ABOUT. LONDON, July 20. The enemy used twenty-five divisions from his general reserve in the abortive offensive, wherein he suffered very heavy loss. His breakdown was principally due to the accurate estimate of the French Higher Command, and the rapidity wherewith bo disposed of their forces to meet the attack. The French successful counterstroke may profoundly alter the situation on the Champagne front. The French position on the ridge overlooking Soissousi, will, enable the bombardment of an important railway network. The enemy in this sector isi now entirely dependant on road transport, s r " that the troops round ChateauThierry must draw supplies by road for thirty milesi. THE FRENCH CAPTURES. FORTY-EIGHT GUNS. LONDON, July 19. The French captured 48 guns in the first day's attack. THE ENEMY RETREAT. A LAME EXCUSE. [Eeuter'a Telegram.] Received this day at 10.11 a.m. LONDON, July 21. The German retreat across the Marne is confirmed by a German semi-official message, which laboriously explains the object of the first crossing- of the % Marne was to divert French forces. As this was achieved it was unnecessary to hold ground south of the river Therefore the troops were withdrawn to fulfil important tasks. ALLIES STILL ADVANCING. ENEMY DRIVEN BACK. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association ) Received this dav at 11.30 a.m. LONDON, July 20 (4.45 p.m.) A French comnrunique states: Yesterday and during- the night the Franco-Admerican troops continued their advance along- the

GERMANS SEVERELY PUSHED

GUNS CAFTUREDI

major portion of the front between the Aisne and the Marne. We readied Vieryo and passed Monloy Wood to the east of Villers Ilelon and captured Neuilly Aquutfort and 'Ucylurcwignont, south of the Marne. We drove back the enemy between Possoy and Oenilly and gained ground in the direction of the Marne. ENCOURAGING news. ENEMY'S ATTACKS HEPULSED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this dav at 0.20 a.m. LONDON, July 21. The latest news is that the French counter offensive is highly encouragiug. Despite a vigorous resistance Ihe advance was an average depth of five miles and at the deepest point seven. The Marne is in high flood. The Germans counters-attacked at many points. All were repulsed. 18,940 prisoners and 3G4 guns have so far hee7i counted, mostly field pieces and battery heavies! It has been ascertained that the Germans used twenty divisions on a twenty-three mile front. AMERICAN DASH. ENEMY'S HEAVY LOSSES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association) (Delayed in transmission.) Received this dav at 9.55 a.m. NEW YORK, July 17. The New York Times' correspondent on the American front describes how the Americans fought the Germans at Chateau Thierry. Never before were there such artillery preparations. The Germans not only deluged our lines, but threw thousands of shells ten to thirty miles behind our lines. The Germans kept up a terrific barrage fire, which was so perfect that a curtain fire of steel moved backwards and forwards over our sector hour after hour. Simultaneously the Germans brought up 200 canvas boats, wherein 15.000 crossed the Maine. Then the barrage lifted and the Germans advanced bravely against our rifle and machine-gun fire. Meanwhile we perforated the boats and then counter-attacked and drove the Germans backward until they reached the river. Some swam safely. Others surrendered. Apart from more than one thousand prisoners, we killed or wounded about 0000 Germans. The banks of the liver were literally lined with German (lend. Our losses were small compared with the Germans. The Americans are now confident of their ability to repel the next attack. THE ENEMY LOSSES. , A BIG TOTAL. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this dav at 9.25 a.m.-' LONDON, July 21. Colonel Repington estimates that during a four months' eamoaig'ti the German losses cannot be less than 000,000.' The successive efforts show steadilv diminishing' results, while the Allies' hopes in the future sire greater. He attributed Ludendorff's reluctance to attack Amiens or north and the avoidance of liheims to internal German troubles, while his strategy is affected by the dread of losing men. He adds : The cheerful Tommies are convinced that they can do what, they like with the rest of tbe German armies. When the scales arc beginning to turn on our side we must be cool and prudent. The Americans are the last army reserve of civilisation. The Allies must not open a great offensive till their superiority in force will ensure a victory. CAPTURE QF METEREN. Mr Gibbs says: The capture of Meteren gives us g'ood observation. The enemy ground garrison were living wretchedly in the cellars. Our guns pounding above made the place hellish. The Germans are now disillusioned. The men no longer believe in an easy victory.

THE GERMAN DRIVE. AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT. (Australian ami N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Hay, 9.30 a,m. NEW YORK, July 21. The Times considers it very encouraging that the speed of the German offensive is slower than theftyst or second phases. The Allies face the future with strong faith. The New York Herald says: The results of the second day's fighting show that the drive has been stopped, within 36 hours of its commencement The costly failure will have a recoil at home, where the German people have been deluded with vain promises of victory.

Th New York Sun says: So far the German armies have failed in their objective. Their initial movement was shattered and a readjustment of their forces is necessitated which will materially affect the general plan. Frank Simmonds, writing to the New York Tribune, says: The offensive has not disclosed the violence of March or May operations, but may be we have only witnessed the preliminary feints and the- preparatory feints preceding the real drive. The immediate threat to Rheims is real and considerable. The wisest comment to-day is: "So far so good." The New York World says: Whatever the eventual results, the fact remains that the drive wa» blocked on the second day. The Germans have practically nothing to show but enormous losses.

Washington military students say : It is too early to arrive at a final decision, but it looks as if the German offensive has broken to pieces-.

.. CHATEAU-THIERRY CAPTURED. I A FRENCH REPORT. The High Commissioner reports as follows: LONDON, July 21, 2.D0 p.m. 0 French official report.—Our troops 1 entered Chateau-Thierry this morning. VIOLENT FIGHTING. FRANCO-BRITISH ATTACKING. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) ) Received This Day, 9..'50 a.m. LONDON, July 21. A French communique reports: The result of our victorious counter- \ offensive was soon apparent. The ' Germans violently attacked on their 4 right flank and south of the Marne, [ but were compelled to retreat and 2 reeross the river. We hold thewhoie south baaik. The Franco-Americans, between \ the Aisne and the tMarne, continue* , their progress. They have driven back the enemy, who are resisting ! stubbornly. We reached Ploisy and Parcytignv. We passed St. Reiny--1 foldtzy "and Rozetstalbin, further south. We hold the general lino from Prez Plateau north-east to Courchainps. Violent fighting is in progress between the Marne and Rheims. Franco-British troops are attacking vigorously. They encountered large forces. Notwithstanding desperate enemy resistance, we gained ground in tho Courban Wood, the Andre Valley and towards St. Euphraise. The number of prisoners since tho 18th exceeds 20,000 and four hundred Germans were captured. AVIATORS ACTIVE. Our aviators, redoubling their efforts, multiplied their raids day and night. On tho 19th they fiercely fought enemy forces, Franco-British bombing squadrons are making the Marne crossing their chief objective, and ceaselessly hampered and at gome points completely stopped the enemy supplies. This was an important factor in the enemy retreat. By machine-gunning, bombing concentrations of 'the enemy preparing for a counter attack, also his columns of convoys, our air craft indicted be ivy losses. Twenty-four and twentyseven tons of projectiles were dropped by day and night respectively along "the Marne ami in the rear of the- battlefield. Several fires and explosions were observed at stations. Simultaneously our aeroplanes marked the advance or our troop's and tank si between the Aisne and the Marne. They reported the arrival of enemy reserves and participated directly in the battle by machine gunning. Later twenty-six German aeroplanes were felled disabled in numerous fights with Franco-British pilots. Everywhere German aviation was inferior. RESISTANCE BROKEN AMERICAN ADVANCE CONTINUES (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received Tins Day, 11.10 a.m. LONDON, July 21. An American communique states: Between the Aisne and the Marne we again broke the enemy's resistance and continued our advance, taking many additional prisoners. PRECIPITATE RETREAT. BRITISH NOW ATTACKING. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this day at 11.40 a.m. LONDON, July 21. The newspapers are featuring 1 the German precipitate retreat across the Marne find a new onslaught wherein south-westward of Rheims and in the valley of the Ardre the British are now sharing the honours of General Fooh's glorious victory. The concensus of opinion is that with the right wing- smashed in, the Crown Prince, under the latest pressure brought to bear on the other wing- of his recent advance, is still iri a position of increasing- jeopardy.

The Franco-American artillery barrages on Saturday hampered the withdrawal of many German detachments. trance-American troops are constantly up fugitives. Trie net result is that the Germans southward suii'crcd enormous io.sses-

Many prisoners describe the German divisions along the entire front as broken by the Allied artillery and rifle fire m close range fighting.

Airmen report: A congestion in the movement on the German routes northwestward of Chateau Thierry.

A CONSIDERABLE ADVANCE

A FRENCH REPORT

(Australian arid N.Z. Cable Association.)

Received this dav at 10.40 a.m. LONDON, July 19. A French communique states: Starting from Fresnes and Bouresches we considerably advanced into the enemy lines and reached the plateau commanding Soissons on the south-west and the region of Clmuden. There is violent fighting going on between Viller Shelong and Norcy Sur. Our troojis south of Ourcq passed the line throujyli Mamy St. Genevieve. Haute Vcfin, Hauto Yesoes and Belleau. Over twenty villages were recaptured and several thousand prisoners taken. Important bootv was taken. There was

nothing important elsewhere

AN AMERICAN REPORT

An American communique reports: American troops are cooperating with the French between tlie Aisne and the Marne and penetrated the enemy lines to a depth of several miles capturing many prisoners and guns.

FIGHTING ON THE MARNE

A SATISFACTORY REPORT

and N.Z. Cable Asayiiatton

Received this day at 10.80 a m NEW YORK, July 1G-

The War Department's summary states: The fighting- on the Marne is satisfactory, but a greater battle is expected. The officials are jubilant at ihe initial results of the German drive.

Some predict.that the Germans who crossed the river will meet with disaster liTre the Austrians at tlie Piave. Others consider the move a feint or a prelude io a peace offensive.

The New York Times slates: The fifth phase of the offensive will be of more elaborate extent than tlie previous drive. The American success is a good omen, but we must not build our hopes too high yet. The Allies stand firm and confident.

The New York World says: Germany would never believe we could raise, train, equip and transport such a huge army in such a short time. Now she has proof.

The New York Herald stales: The drive has begun well for the Allies. We are confident in their power to resist. There is no nervousness in Paris or London. This is a good sign.

The New York Sun says: We hope and firmly believe that Foch is thoroughly prepared to forestall the enemy's plans. A New York correspondent with the American Army says: The Americans took 1000 to 1500 prisoners, including' the whole staff of one brigade. THE ENEMY REVERSE. CONSTERNATION IN GERMANY (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day, 11.30 a,.in. AMSTERDAM, July 21. The German newspapers display the utmost bewilderment at the shattering of Ludendorff's offensive. Some charge deserters with betraying his plans. THE ENEMY REVERSE. GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this* day at 1.80 a.m. AMSTERDAM, July 21. The Koelnisehe Zcitung, after declaring that a deserter utilised his knowledge of the planned operations to betray the leatherland, says that it is impossible to deny that the offensive failed- The German people anxiously and patiently "await the new decisions demanded by the situation.. The Frankfurter Zeitxmg- states : Foeh warded off the German blow at the expense of great losses, but his confer offensive failed, freedom of action remaining in the Germans' hands. The Cologne Gazette remarks: We must concede the loss of prisoners and guns,, but the enemy's leading idea to break ihroiign was not attained. The counteroffensive was held up before it attained a strategic advance worth mentioning. The Dutch papers regard it a serious blow to Germany, amounting to an Allied victory. The Telegraph says: Anything may now happen . ENEMY RESISTANCE OVERCOME. GUNS AND PRISONERS TAKEN. The High Commissioner reports as follows : LONDON, -July 10, 3.30 p.m. French Official.—Between the Aisne and the Maine the enemy's resistance has been surmounted,

though fresh reserves were brought in. Monvisson was recaptured, also the environs eastward of Oeuily. Four cannon, 30 machine-guns and 400 prisoners were taken.

MINOR OPERATIONS

A BRITISH REPORT

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.!

Received this day at 11.£50 a.m. LONDON, July 21 (morning'.) Sir Douglas Haig reports: There were minor operations in the Reluitern sector, which were continued with success. Our pressure compelled the enemy to withdraw from Hossignol Wood between Hebuterne and Bucquoy. This important local feature is now in our possession. We followed up the enemy, who suffered heavily. A GERMAN VERSION.

Wireless German Official.—The enemy obtained a footing- at Mo tern. The enemy re-attempted to breach the whole front from the Aisne to the Maine- Tanks early penetrated our foremost lines, but the first enemy thrust was defeated by noon. On the heights south westward of Soissons, westward of Mertens and St. Nmlly, and north-westward of ChateauThierry further attacks in the evening broke down. We thrust back the enemy northward of ITerteurs beyond his original line. We withdrew unnoticed to the north bank of the Maine during' the night. A GERMAN REPORT.

Wireless German official.—The enemy renewed his attack with "Teat violence eastward of Vil-lcrs-Bietoimcnx. Great united enemy countr attack against our whole front southward of the Marne broke down with heaviest losses. Our counter-attack threw the enemy out of small places south - westward of Morenil, wherein he had temporarily penetrated. We stormed a ridge southward of Pourcy, capturing the defenders. German evening ofhVinl.— Between the Aisne and the Marne the French attacked with strong forces and tanks, enpturimr some ground. Our reserves participated in ihe battle4FT?TAJ\ WARFARE. BRITISH OPERATIONS. EXTENSIVE J? A IDS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day, 10.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Our aeroplanes on the 19th dropped IT tons of bombs on hostile dumps, railway stations and aerodromes. Ono pilot landed on an .aerodrome and machine-gunned the hangars before rising. We brought down ten aeroplanes and six balloons. Seven British machines are missing. Our night fliers dropped fourteen tons of bombs on railways between Mens and Valenciettes, and stations be.tween Cambrai and Lille. NAVAL AIRCRAFTS' RAID ZEPPELIN SHED ATTACKED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received Tin's Day, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. The Admiralty reports that aeroplanes from the Grand Fle||wero operating off the Jutland coast on the 19th made two attacks on Zeppelin sheds at. Tondern, in SchleAvig, and secured direct hits on three sheds. Owing to anti-aircraft fire and dense smoke it was impossible to ascertain whether the destruction was complete. It was, however, assured that two Zeppelins were destroyed. Four British machines failed to return, three whereof landed in Danish territory. AIR RAID UN PARIS. PARIS, July 19. An air raid warning was given at midnight and all (dear at 12.45. . A VALUABLE ENTERPRISE. GREAT DAMAGE WROUGHT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Dav, 10..'50 a.m. COPENHAGEN, July 21. British airmen in the Tondern raid, destroyed a, large stock of munitions outside the town. A violent explosion killed many. Two British machines, owing to lack of benzine and motor trouble, landed on tho west coast of Jutland. One of the aviators, a New Zealander, stated that six German aeroplanes pursued his and two other machine. The latest advices are that the two airmen were interned. A third landed at Guldagor and set lire to his maihine. According to another correspondent one landed near Rinkjoebiug and obtained petrol, hoping to escape. ITALY FURTHER SUCCESSES. AN ITALIAN REPORT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Dav. 11.20 a.m. LONDON, July 20. Italian official. —Our detachments at Aclamells captured Mount Stable and completely reocoupied Corno rie Caventh. The enemy attacked westward of Hill 1050. We held up a thrust and our counter attack compelled the enemy to retire, in disiorder.

Li USJSIA. THE CZECHOSLOVAK ADVANCE F[TETHER. PROGRESS MADE Uteuier'a 'i'eloeraui.j Received This Day, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. A Vladivostok . correspondent states;: Forty thousand Czechoslovaks hold the railway between Samara and Irkutsk. Twelve thousand of 14,000 Czechoslovaks i'romVladivostook are lighting the Bolsheviks at Khabarovsk. They occupied Spasskaia after a stubborn fight. Tiiey propose to link up with the Czechoslovaks from Irkutsk. There arc 47,000 Bolsheviks and ex-prisoners between Khabarovsk and Irkutsk. ANOTHER SUCCESS. GAINED BY CZECHOSLOVAKS. {Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day, 1.30 p.m. AMSTERDAM, July 21. A report from Moscow states thai the Czechoslovaks captured Birsk. THE EX-TSAR SHOT. THE NEWS CONFIRMED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day. 11.30 a.m. LONDON, Tuly 20. Wireless! Russian official. —-The Central Executive Committee made

! public ft. message from the Ur Council concerning the shooting • the ex-Tsar, which says that Ekatc inburg is being seriously thraitenc by the approach of the CzechoSh Yaks, and simultaneously a, counts revolutionary conspiracy 1o wrest tu ex-Tsar from the Council's authorit was discovered in tlie Ural regiona The Council therefore decided t shoot tlie ex-Tsar Nicholas, whic decision was enforced on the 16th. CHOLERA SPREADING. BOLSHEVIKS AND GERMANS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association Received This Day, 9.30 a..m. Delayed in transmission. "NEW YORK. July 16. Shaplen, tlie United Press Stock holm correspondent, states: Theßus sian press expects the German occu psition of Moscow and Petrograd, du to rapid developments in the Mur man situation. The Bolsheviks, ar co operating with the Germans am permitting them to travel northwan by Murman railwa.vs. through th Petrograd-Jvanko junction. Cholera Iras n.mvwed in mam cities besides Petrograd. THE ROMANOFFS. IMPORTANT DOCUMENTS SEIZEI (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association Received This Day, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. Wireless Russian official.—The ex Tsarina end her son have now beei sent to a place of security. The Central Executive Committes is. in possession of important docu mentsi concerning the ex-Tsar's affairs, including his and the. ex Tsa.rina.'s diaries, and his. correspondence, including Rasputin's letter tc the ex-Tsar and family. All will be shortly published. IN FINLAND. ESTABLISHMENT OF MONARCHY BILL WITHDRAWN. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.| Received This Day, 9.20 a,m. COPENHAGEN, July 21. A Bill establishing a Monarchy in Finland on the Prussian model has been-withdrawn, failing io secure the statutory majority- in the Diet, although the Government is preventing many Socialist members attending. IN ENEMY COUNTRIES. WHY KUHLMANN RESIGNED DISPUTE WITH LUDENDORFF. (Australian and N Z. Cable Association i Received This Day, 9.25 a.m. AMSTERDAM, July 21. The German newspapers detail an angry quarrel between Dr. von Kuhlmann and the Kaiser at Headquarters. Ludendorff threatened to resign unless Dr. von Kuhlmaun resigned. Dr. Hcrtli'ng replied that Kuhlmann would resign quietly during the Reichstag recess. Kuhlmann went to the Kaiser and refused to do- this. A violent- dispute ended in Kuhlmann's dismissal. 'He was crded back Io Berlin by the first train. HOWLED DOWN. SCHIEDMANN'S WARM TlONrAustralian and N.Z. Cable Association.: Received Tins Day, 0.30 a.m. AMSTERDAM, July 21. Heir Sohiedmami attempted to address Ins constituents at Solingen in defence of the Majority Socialists 1 policy. Thousands of Independent Socialists shouting him down, the police dispersed the meeting. IN THE NEAR EAST. ENEMY RAIDS REPULSED. BULGARIANS LOSE HEAVILY. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day, 11.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. A French Eastern communique states: The enemy at the Cerna.Bend attempted several raidst on the Italian positions, but were brilliantly repulsed. The Bulgarians lost, heavily.

SU.BMAJ.UNE CAMPAIGN LOSS OS. jiiii CAHPATIIIA FIVE CASUALTIES. LONDON, July 13. The Carpathia, oubW-.ua bounu, -..as thrice lori)cUij:-:a oji WcclnebCiuy cii the Irisn coast, and sank quickly. The only casualties were uvk mviuan, wno it is believed ware kiiJed by «ji txpiobion. There were auj aojuicl, tv being passengers. The jus. toipedo struck ner just ay braakiast was finished. The second two minutes latex, and exploded linear the engms-ioom. The tJurd struck the gunners' room, and a big explosion followed. The submarine was visible and was a big twe-masted type. The torpedo damaged the wireless and it was impossible to call [or help. There was no panic, and all were in the boats within iifteen minutes. A war&hip rescued the survivors at midday. A sailor says that the submarine trained her guns on the boats, ami would have fired but for the timely arrival of a minesweeper. Tlie third engineer and boilermastev, though badly scalded, gillantiy stood by the engines long enough to bring the vessel to a standstill, enabling the boats to be launched without delay. IN AMERICAN WATERS LARGE SHIP TORPEDOED. NEW YORK, July 10. Several submarines are attacking Trans-Atlantic v ßraffc. A large ship was torpedoed. The Navy Department announces that the cruiser Sandiego was . submarined off the coast, but a later message says that the cause is unknown, though it is believed there is no loss of life.

S! TRANSPORT SUNK. Z NO CASUALTIES. |_ Tlie High. Commissioner reports . ' as follows : ™ LONDON, July 19, 5.40 p.m. The Admiralty reports: Tlie transport Barimga conveying unfit Australian troops homewards, was submarined and sunk on Monday. There were no casualties. a.) LOSS OF THE BARUNGA. . , '., GOOD - RESCUE WORK. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association vr_ Received This Day, 8.55 a.m. ?_ LONDON, July 21. le The Barunga w.-v-- sunk at d-.y- ---].. break. Over seven hundred were • e aboard, including four hundred in 1( ] capacitated Australians. ~{ Destroyers immediate:-" went t.|C . her assistance and surrounded the sunken ship-. lV There was remarkable order throughout, while the men weve transferred to boats and rafts. The submarine was; seen two- hundred yards away and the Barunga's D guns were turned upon her, but she dived and escaped. 1 ) The Barunga. floated ten hours. ■ Those aboard lost everythinq;. LOSS OE SAN DIEGO. c " REMARKABLE COOLNESS, n (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) [. Received this day at 9.30 a.m. :_ NEW YORK, July 2i). The remarkable coolness and i- discipline on board the San Diego 0 when sinking* made the rescuing e. of the officers and crew easy. The ship sank fifteen minutes after the explosion. Tlie survivors who were landed by passing vessels told conflicting i stories. Some said that the cruiser was torpedoed ami that the gunners .1 fired at an object thought to be a periscope until the deck wns awash. Others said it was an internal 1 explosion or a mine. s Many of the crew were com--2 polled to jump into the water because they stayed aboard until tlie ' ship commenced to settle clown. One petty officer took a battle station at the captain's order when the explosion occurred, and not being ordered to leave stood stifly to attention while the ship sank under him, and then swam to a lifeboat. , Many hydroplanes, U-boat chasers and other naval craft swept the surrounding seas for a ; possible lurking U-boat. 1 Some members of the crew said j i that three lost their lives in the | - explosion, but the Navy Depart- > ment reports thai there was no - loss of life. ' . PEACE PROPOSALS. i INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION. t ' PROPOSED BY LABOUR PARTY. s (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Received This Day, 10.30 a.m. LONDON, July 21. Mr. Henderson, speaking at Oldham, urged the Government to communicate with the Allies with a view to enabling the Labour Party to participate in International Conventions organised by a distinctly neut nil committee. While such conventions would not bind the countries; he trusted that they would point the way through which the Allies could walk to an actual peace conference. 1 ,He indignantly denied that the Labour Party, wanted a German settlement. He wanted a. world's peace in the interests of humanity and a 1 League of Nations: composed of all 1 the belligerents and neutrals.