BULGARS FIRE ON SCOUTING AEROPLANES.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17096, 19 February 1916, Page 9

BULGARS FIRE ON SCOUTING AEROPLANES.

COMMUNICATION WITH BULGARIA INTERRUPTED. POSITION SOUTH OF YPRES UNCHANGED. NEW DEVELOPMENT MARKS SUBMARINE CONTROVERSY IN STATES. MERCHANT TONNAGE PROBLEM DISCUSSED.

FALL OF ERZERUM. LONDON, February 17.—1 tis reported that the Erzerum fortifications are intact, the Turks having had no time to destroy them. The German mark fell in Holland when the news of Erzerum J s capture was made public. WESTERN FRONT. LONDON. February IS.—The Germans exploded a mine south of' Loos, but could not occupy the crater. Military experts in Paris think that a German offensive in the west is coming. RUMANIA AND BULGARIA. BUCHAREST, February IT—Rumanian air squadrons flew over Bulgaria to observe movements of Bulgarian and German troops. They evaded a heavy artillery and infantry fire." Rome reports that communication between Rumania and Bulgaria is interupted. A geiferal mobilisation in Rumania is expected. THE AIR DEFENCE. LONDON, February IT. —In the House of Lords. Lord Kitchener stated that a public debate on the details of the air defences was dangerous and he could not give the information required by those asking questions. AMERICA AND GERMANY. LONDON, February IT. —‘American reports state that President Wilson has declined to regard the Lusitania affair as settled until he receives a definite declaration from Berlin that passenger ships even if armed will not be sunk without warning. Mr Wilson is said to regard the position as becoming more difficult. CAMEROONS CAMPAIGN. LONDON, February IT.—The active operations in the Cameroons are completed with the exception of those at Mora Hill. MERCHANT TONNAGE. LONDON, February 17.—1 n the House of Commons Mr Runciman said that 45 merchant ships were being hurriedly completed and 140 others were being pushed on. Dr Macnamara said that the Admiralty was doing its utmost not to hold up tonnage that was not required for naval or military service.