CAPTURED AFTER FIVE DAYS’ ASSAULT.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17095, 18 February 1916, Page 7

CAPTURED AFTER FIVE DAYS’ ASSAULT.

RUSSIAN VICTORY EXPECTED TO EASE PRESSURE ON TIGRIS. BRITISH AERIAL DEFENCE CRITICISED. GERMAN ARTOIS AND CHAMPAGNE ATTACKS TERMINATE WITHOUT RESULT. IMPORTANT ALLIED PROMISE TO BELGIUM. 1 FALL OF EKZEEUM. LONDON, February 16.—The Russians after a five days’ assault captured Erzerum. .There is rejoicing in London over the news. It is considered that the Russian success will have an effect on the campaign in Mesopotamia. WESTERN FRONT. LONDON, February 16.—Grenade fighting continues south of Ypres. The trenches taken recently had often changed hands during the year. In Champagne the French regained some lost ground. A French official wireless message announces that the German offensive in Artois and Champagne has terminated without advantage to the enemy. THE AIR SERVICES. LONDON, February 16.—The House of Commons discussed the air services, Mr Joynson-Hicks suggesting neglect on the part of the Government. Members of the Government replied stating that the system of defence in Britain was nearly complete. 'ALLIED WAR CONTROL. PARIS, February 16.—1 - is reported that a conference of the Allied Commanders-in-Chief is to be held in Paris shortly and that as a result the armies and supplies of' the Allies will be treated as if belonging to one nation. BEFORE SALONIKA. SALONIKA, February 16. French airmen raided the enemy camp and the town of Strumnitza. RUMANIAN WHEAT. LONDON, February 16.—1 tis reported that Rumania refused an offer by Germany to outbid the British syndicate for the wheat recently purchased. BELGIUM’S FUTURE. HAVRE, February 16.—Britain, France and Russia have informed Belgium that she will take part in the peace negotiations and that the Allies will insist on the restoration of her political and commercial independence and the payment of an indemnity. The three Powers will also assist her to re-establish herself. Japan and Italy offered no objections to the declaration. ARMED MERCHANTMEN. NEW YORK, February 16.—1 tis anticipated that America will concede the Entente’s right to arm merchantmen for defence and will disapprove of German submarines attacking them without warning*