STUBBORN FIGHTING

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 July 1918, Page 5

STUBBORN FIGHTING

ENEMY’S RESISTANCE STIFFENING ALLIES DRIVING AHEAD FURTHER VILLAGES CAPTURED AUSTRIA’S DIRE PLIGHT DUAL MONARCHY IN EXTREMIS INTERVENTION IN SIBERIA JAPO-AraiCAN AGREEMENT REACHED

WESTERN THEATRE. FIERCE FIGHTING. BRITISH GAIN GROUND. LONDON, July 22Attacks ami counter-attacks continue fiercely. It is estimated that the Gormans have half a million troops on a fifty-mile front. Six new divisions have been identified between the Aisnc and the Marne, making- twenty-one. The Germans were strongly pushed fit Grissoles, advancing half a mile. British divisions, operating south-west of Rhcims, captured 500. The French captured forty-five guns and 400 machine-guns south of the Marne. The .Franco-Americans corPinnc attacking vigorously between the Onrcq and the Marne. General Mackcnsen’s Chief of Staff, You Hell, and other Macken,sen officers, are directing operations hot ween the Onrcq and the Aisne, hut it is not believed that General Mackenscn is present. Prince Rnpprechf’s gronn is estimated at seventy divisions, mostly fresh. The Ansfv-dians helped in the couture of Met tern. They continue in prominence on the Somme. W A TCP INC 1 ? ITPR ECTTT. ALLIES ON THE ALERT. 1 Reuter’s Telegram.) Received July 23, 2.5 a p.m. LONDON, July 22. The British are detaching an equivalent number of divisions from Picardy to follow Prince Ruppreclit’s army reserves. ,South-west of Rlieims the Germans are burning villages and destroying provisions and munitions inside the Soissons-Rheims salient. It is believed that the enemy is preparing to retreat to Yesle. GROUND GAINED. A BRITISH REPORT. LONDON, July 22Sir Douglas Haig reports: We gained ground on the 21st southeastward of Hobutcnic. We, in conjunction with the French, carried out a successful minor enterprise at night southward of Millers Bretonneux. FRENCH REPORT. A French communique reports; The enemy last night restricted himself to counter artillery work. North of the Ourcq and between the Marne and Rhcims. notably in the Gourmand King Woods, between the Ourcq and the Marne we smashed a powerfid enemy counter attack. In the regions of Grisolles and Bejust. Germain wo maintained our positions everywhere. HOSTILE ARTILLERY DUEL. GREAT ARTILLERY ACTIVITY. LONDON, July 22. Sir Douglas Haig reports: Hostile artillerying south of Arras and cast of Nieppc forest. Low clouds on Sunday almost prevented flying, lint on a small part of the front various targets were bombed, including the railway stations, and a direct hit was obtained on an ammunition train. Five hostile machines were bronchi down. Four British, machines are missing. Our night fliers were able to raid the bulk of the front. We dropped thirteen tons on railways at Rodin, Mon in Lille, and Cambrai.

THE BIG BATTLE. A GERMAN VERSION. LONDON, July 24. A wireless Gorman official message on Sunday states that fighting resulted in a complete success for the Germans. Enemy attacks south-west of Soissons and southwest of Harknes broke down. We threw hack the enemy north of Villein Montoiro. We defeated an assault astride of Onlchv and le Chateau. Strong enemy attacks north and northeast of Chateau Thierry broke down with heaw losses. W° san'"iiinadL' rennlse' 1 Dm Anglo-Fvoiu-b between the Marne and the Ardrc. GERMANS RETR EATTN G. ALLIES CAPTURE VILLAGES (“The Times” Cable.) Received this day at 1 a.m. LONDON, July‘22, 11 p.m. The Germans are further retreating between the Marne and the Ardre,* blowing up dumps and stores. LONDON, July 22, (5 a.m. The Fraucn-Americans further advanced north of Mont St- Fere and captured Epides. (The cable news in this issue accredited to “The Times” has appeared in that journal, hut only where expressly stated is such news the editorial opinion of “The Times.”) THE ALLIES ADVANCING. VILLAGES CAPTURED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this day at 8.50 a.m. NEW YORK, July 23. The French have captured Oulchy and Le Chateau. The Americans captured Janlgoime. The French captured heights north of Conreerles and have begun an offensive north-west of Montdidier- The British have captured Petit Champ Wood and Marflnx in the neighbourhood, with many prisoners. General Pershing’s communique states : The Americans crossed the Marne and occupied Chartoves, Dezn, St. Genuine and Fpids. Later there was slight progress on the battle front, the German resistance stiffening. AMERICANS CROSS THE MARNE. VILLAGES CAPTURED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this dav at 0.50 a.m. LONDON, July 23. An American communique states: Co-operating with the French wc continued our advance and crossed the Soissons-Chatean ’Thierry road at Bean Epils and Charteves. We crossed the Marne and occupied towns, the condition whereof shows that they were abandoned in great haste. ENEMY'S VAIN EFFORTS.ALLIES’ PROGRESS CONTINUES. (Australian and N.Z. (‘able Association.) Received this dav at 0.10 a.m. LONDON, July 23. A French communique states: The Germans to-day attempted by

AERIAL WARFARE.

powerful counter-attacks to arrest our progress between the Marne and the Uurcq. The Fran coAmericans resisted all assaults, and accentuated their progress. We passed the heights east of La Croex and Grisolles and captured the village of Epieds. We gained ground north-east of Eon St. Here between the Marne and diheims. Hard fighting was without result for the enemy. We hold our lines in Courton Roi Woods, The British further north advanced. There is great artillery, but no infantry action north of the Ourcq and Champagne. BRITISH GALLANTRY. A FRENCH TRIBUTE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.’ Received this day at 11.40 a.m. LONDON, July 20. The Morning Rost’s French front’s correspondent states that the French commanders pay a tribute to the British units cooperating on the Rheiins front and in other sectors. Airmen rendered particularly gallant services. The French airmen performed a brilliant feat at Pourcy, where a battalion became cut off. Aeroplanes dropped bread and biscuits and 250 boxes of beef among the troops and ammunition, enabling them to hold out while a counter-attack relieved themThe resistance of the Germans eastward of Courchamps is regarded as an indication that they are in full retreat and ' that the counter-attack is merely a desperate rearguard action. General French’s airmen are constantly worrying the columns retreating* northwards. The French adopted new methods of attack. They abandoned the preliminary bombardment, relying on the tanks, which closely follow the barrage. La Liberte” states that the guns captured northward of Ourcq included 155, which the Germans captured from the French on April 27th. ENEMY’S RESERVES. HOW THEY ARE USED UP. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this day at 0.45 a.m. LONDON, July 23. The Germans have’ thrown fifty-four divisions into the battle, so it is concluded. The Crown Prince’s reserves are running rather low. The Germans are apparently burning all the villages south of Ferent Ardennois, indicating a likelihood of their retreat and the shortening of their -front owing to the difficulty in obtaining snnpliesThe Daily Telegraph’s Rotterdam correspondent learns that the Germans are withdrawing the Army of Observation from the East to reinforce the Western front. VILLAGES CAPTURED. GERMANS IN FULL RETREAT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association/ Received This Day, 11-55 a.in. LONDON, July AS. ■Qulohy Ip Chateau was captured last night. The French this morning commenced a> fresh offensive north-west of Montdidier. They have already captured several villages. Military wfiters insist that the French deserve the prime crcd’t for the Marne victory, though the Americans are lighting grandly. It it not yet clear to what extent General Foch utilised the English, Scottish and Australians, but therefore only two Buitish divisions at Mannaux. Mezy, where the Australians arc reported to he engaged, is a small village on the south bank of tlic Marne in the loop of the rivei about five miles east-uorth-east ol Chateau Thierry. Probably the pressure there assisted in forcing the evacuation of Chateau Thierry. Mr Perris confirms great fires between the Marne and the Ardre. The enemy apparently is preparing for a further retreat, blowing np munition dumps and stores, which are not movable. The necessity of getting the guns and material away explains the stubborn resistance at OulchyThe direction of the retreat suggests a definite stand along the Yesle river. GERMAN AR TILLER Y. A SIGNIFICANT SILENCE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.! Received tin’s day at 11.30 a.m. PARTS, July 23. Indications are accumulating that the Germans recognise that a retreat mi a considerable scale is imperative. The artillery on Ihe battle front is strangely silent, suggesting* that the guns arc being transported to the rear. Aviators’ observation shows that the utmost confusion along the lines of communication prevails.

BRITISH OPERATIONS. GOOD WORK DONE. LONDON, July 25. The Air. Ministry reports; “We ) dropped n ton of bombs un railway sidings at Limes. “Wo attacked the Badischc aniline factory and made good hursts. Wo ■ observed large explosions caused in a * factory at St. Heart Zwichrucke. Wo bombed three aerodromes. Our low } fliers hit live trains. “We bombed and machific-gunned i,.| gniMMaMBMMMWBB

search lights and anti-aircraft guns. All our machines returned. We attacked on Monday an important powder, factory at Ro dwell, mtting a big shed, with the result that several others blew up. The lire was seen for sixty miles. All machines returned.” FRENCH MEN BUSY. GOOD WORK DONE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this day at 0.50 a.in. ' LONDON, July 20. A French communique states: Onr bombing’ squadrons were active on the 21st despite the weather, and dropped day and night fitly tons on communications, cantonments and bivouacs at Yeslo and the Ardre Valley stations at La on, Fismes and Bery an Bac. AMERICA AT WAR. LIEUT- ROOSEVELT’S DEATH MESSAGES. OF CONDOLENCE (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this dav at 0.30 a.mWASHINGTON, July 21. Following on the confirmation of the dealh of Lieut. Quentin Roosevelt, President Wilson telegraphed to Colonel Roosevelt: I am greatly distressed at the news of your sou’s death. He died serving his country with fine gallantry. Hundreds of telegrams and letters of sympathy were received hy Colonel Roosevelt and family at Oyster Bay. President Wilson issued a proclamation announcing that Iho Government wil] control the tclegranh cables, wireless and telephones for the duration of the war. A GERMAN PLOT. INVASION OF CANADA PLANNED KAISER’S HALF-BROTHER ARRESTED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received This Day, 10.55 a.m. OTTAWA, July 25. Von Strencli, a. German agent in America, and reported to be the Kaiser’s half-brother, was arrested accused of plotting to invade Canada and Mexico' with German reservists from the United States and for the purpose- of interfering with American and Canadian troops crossing the Atlantic. Yon Strench’si plans included the sending of reservists into Canada, from Buffalo for the purpose of giving battle to Fort Erie or Bridgetown. The woman with whom von Strencli was associated revealed the plot. RUSSIA. JOINT' MILITARY EXPEDITION. ■ BY JAPAN AND AMERICA. OTTAWA, July 22. The Now York Times’ Washington correspondent states that President Wilson will announce the Americo-Japaneso military expedition to Russia to aid the Czech-Slovaks. The New York Times’ Washington correspondent states that the United States and Japan will send a joint military expedition to Yladivostock to hold the city as a base for operations of the Czechoslovaks against former AnstrnGevman prisoners of war. It is understood that no other Allies will participate. PROPOSED ASSISTANCE. APPROVED BY JAPAN. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received July 23, 2.55 p.m. TOKIO, July 22. The .Diplomatic Council lias approve;] of America’s proposal for joint intervention. A proclamation is being issued assuring Russia, tha t the Entente has no aggressive ’designs. M. Horva has proclaimed himself provisional ruler of all the RussiansHe aims to restore order and will convoke the Constituent Asembly. AMERICAN PLANS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received July 23, 1.55 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 22Tlie American plans to aid Russia, include a military expedition and economic aid, but no attempt to reconstitute the battle front. INTERVENTION IN SIBERIA. TERMS AGREED UPON. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) Received this dnv at 9-35 a.m. TOKIO, July 23. It is authoritatively understood that the Japanese Government lias answered the United Government regarding intervention in Siberia, agreeing to every detail of the terms proposed by the United States. CZECHOSLOVAKS. WORLD AVID E ORGANISATION. The cat Jed news that 15,000 of the Czecho-Slovak army had enteredYladivostock. captured the Soviet headquarters, the National Banl-n municipal offices, and a quantity of munitions, and established Yladivostoek as a. commissariat for Siberia.; and that another Czechoslovak army has completely defeated 3000 Finnish and German troops at Kondalc, is U interest to Australia (says the Sydney Herald), because Czecho-Slovak forces have boon recruited here. The Czecho-Slovak army was a.u-

thorised by a decree signed Ly IVLfH Poincare, President, M. e-ieineuee:ui' Premier,, and M. Pichcn, Minister, of France, which was ficially punished on 17th LecemLei last. By this decree the Slovak army allied itself to French High Command, subject the same dispositions as regards ganisa.tion, hierarchy, and military discipline as l!lore m H force in the Trench Army, from the political point of view, under the direction of the Slovak National Council, whose head- H quarters are in Paris. The number of Czecho-Slovaks whp enlisted at the H outbreak of the- in the French.’ H Army was considerable. "The in theii" ranks,” declared M. Poincare, when signing the- decree in Decomber last, ‘‘prove the ♦ardour withgH which they fought against our one- H mies l .’’ The Czecho-Slovak army in H France totalled a couple- of mouths H ago 125,000. I The Slavs resident in Australia H contributed a quota. There are not-|H many Czechs in Australasia, but in a H general way there are many ether H branches of the Slavs, chiefly Jugo- H Slavs—or southerners. For the most- H part they are Croatians. In New H Zealand they are chiefly employed H as kauri gum-diggers-; in West am . H Australia, the majority are miners. H They have a- national organisation, H with headquarters at Boulder City, H West-ern Australia- quid in November H last an Australasian Jugo-Slav Legion ■ was despatched from Australia; It H was recruited from all the States, I witli the. co-operation of Mr. W. G. Jira, of Pitt Street, Sydney, himself I a Czech, and, though not large in ■ point of members, the legion has H done splendid service. Attached at ■ first to the Serbian Army, it was ;■ on active service at Salonica.. Some I of its members have lost their lives H Others went from Australia, and jH joined up with legions fonned m America. I Neither the Czechs nor the Jugo I Slavs have merely “drifted to- ■ gether.” The organisation of the ' army was the fruition of two yearn’ M endeavour amongst the Slavs IT all I countries. Directing the organisa- H tion arc l vast national committees, with headquarters in London and the B United States, where ramifications fl extend to every country and to every I city —even to Australia.. The Czechs, fl and the Slovaks' in particular, have fl been of inestimable value in checkmating German influence. In the -| United States especially they claim to have concentrated their political work in counter-acting German pr - ; i pa.ganda and strikes in munition factories. . ' t None -of the Slav nations have the slightest, love for the Germans, the Austrians, or the Magyars- y. Least of all have the Czechs or the ' Moravians, both of whom, occupymg adjoining le.-nUnes. have been . on C aved lev their mere powerful neighbours for centuries'. The other Slav nationalities- have taken the same attitude, with the exception of Bulgaria—and the- strategical use of A the Czecho-Slovak army to inspire. : the Russian Slavs to regeneration contains the germ of great moral results. IN THE NEAR EAST. ALLIES’ PROGRESS. PRISONERS TAKEN. LONDON, July 23. A French eastern communique stales that northward of tin; LFvoli our troops dashingly earn 'd !!•-• Austrians.* pesjtions, backed by Dm River lloida. Y e took one hundred prisoners. IN ENEMY COUNTRIES CABINET RESIGNS. CZERNIN Si'MMONED. Received July 23. 2.55 p.m. COPENHAGEN. July 22. • A Vienna, message, states that the Austrian Cabinet- has resigned. It is anticipate o' that Count Czernin will ferni a- new Cabinet. AUSTRIAN POLITICS. NEW CABINET FORMED. VIENNA, July 22. Emperor Karl has accepted Herr Seidlei’’s resignation. Prince Czernin > is forming a new Cabinet. LONDON, July 22. The resignation of the Austrian Cabinet is due to the refusal of Seidler |i to support the Germans. Tlie Austrians accede to the demands of the Poles and Slavs, who are in the majority. The defeat at the P.iave and the Ger- >| man failure at the Marne have caused ,:4 economic distress in Austria, also other factors. uu|| ; AT THE LAST GASP. AUSTRIA’S DIRE PLIGHT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) || Received this dav at 9.35 a.m. || OTTAWA, July 23. The Home Government’s summar yof foreign affairs indicates that Austria is at the last gasp under German control. FOOD PROBLEM ■LORD LEE RESIGNED. GOVERNMENT’S POLICY OBJECT- : ED TO. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) ■ Received This Day-, 3.-15 a.m. LONDON, July 23. Lord Lee has resigned the Direc- './ tor Generalship of Food Production. He says that lie is not sufficiently convinced of the defeat of the submarine. peril or the security of food supplies to acquiesce to the reversal the food policy, which tlie Cabinet has sanctioned.