THIS WEEK'S WAR NEWS

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 14 August 1914, Page 4

THIS WEEK'S WAR NEWS

SATURDAY

The German army marched into the town of Leige, and met with plucky resistance from the little Belgians. Germans have also violated the neutrality of Dutch territory. Russian and German cruisers had engagement in China waters—both vessels sunk. A British light cruiser struck a mine and went down; 16 officers and 135 of crew saved, 130 drowned. Britain claims she is protecting the weak. Detailed reports of the fighting at Longuy, within the French borders, show that Germans attempted to make a dash through Luxemburg over the frontier, but after a stubborn fight the raiding party retreated.

MONDAY

Germany (on Sunday) declared war on Russia, and had the effrontry to ask for French neutrality, while Germany violates her neutrality and seizes Luxenvburg, hence Britain,. when approached, declares her neutrality to be impossible, and Austria tries to justify herself. Belgians make a plucky defence of Leige and create terrible losses to the Germans, seven regiments besides surrendering. The invaders seek an armistice owing to shortness of food and ammunition. Heavy firing heard on Eastern Cpast of England, but no authentic news of any naval engagement to hand.

TUESDAY

Belgians beat off the Germans and fought till exhausted. Germany announces that if a sharp-shooting war is made on the troops she will inexorably punish the offenders. French troops crossing the Belgian frontier were welcomed with extraordinary enthusiasm. French and Belgian soldiers and noncommissioned officers embraced each other, while the Belgians sang " The Marseillaise." A remarkable message has been received in Amsterdam from Berlin stating that the news of the fall of Leige spread with lightning rapidity in the capital, creating great enthusiasm. The Emperor sent his aide-de-camp to the crowd before the castle to give the news.

WEDNESDAY

France formally declared war against Austria, and later on struck first blow to recover lost French provinces. The allies all join forces, thus creating a new position in Europe, while Japan is becoming anxious and impatient to join in the contest. Britain holds the North Sea firmly and all approaches are closed to Germany. Rumoured capture of. Kaiser created some stir; Prince George is held captive in Brussels. . News of the bombardment of the Montenegrin coast by Austrian cruisers is exciting anger in Italy. The irritation is more significent as Austria is denuding the Italian frontier of troops in order to assist Germany against France in Lorraine. The express routes carrying food have resumed the services to English ports.

THURSDAY

Reuters Pekin correspondent states that Japan will shortly declare war on Germany and seize Ts'ingtao, the commercial centre of Germany's only possession in Asia. The Times' correspondent describes the massing of an enormous army of 1,250,000 Germans and Austrians to strike Northern France and Germany. The concentration of German forces on Liege is proceeding, and a strong force advancing through Belgium is within 20 miles of the town. Further losses to German cavalry. According to Belgian War Office only 2000 Germans have fallen at Liege. Twenty thousand wounded, 9700 prisoners captured.

FRIDAY

British and French warships are keeping all the German vessels known to be in the Atlantic so busy that they can do no mischief. The Admiralty advises traders to " confidently and boldly " send their ships to sea. The left wing of the Belgian Army fought a prolonged engagement with a massed force of German cavalry, infantry, and artillery.— Germans were completely routed. An announcement that war has broken out between England and Austria, was made in the House of Representatives by the Prime Minister last evening. A declaration of war between Austria and Montenegro has also been made. The allied armies of Servia and Montenegro have, invaded Bosnia.