THE FRENCH LINES

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXVII, Issue 17528, 11 July 1917, Page 7

THE FRENCH LINES

GROUND REGAINED. THE GREAT AISNE RIDGE BATTLE. i Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Keuter. LONDON, July 9. A French communique says:— , The artillery struggle is keenest in the Pantheon-Froidmont Farm district, where we occupied a trench element. There have been artillery actions at various points, especially towards the Hurtebise-Monthaut oecfor. ENEMY DRIVEN OUT OF FRENCH FRONT TRENCHES. GERMAN TROOPS SUFFER "CRUEL LOSSES." The High Commissioner reports : LONDON, July 9. A French official report states:— Between Les Beauvettes and Ckevregny Spur our counter-attack ejected the enemy after lively lighting from our front line trenches which ho occupied

yesterday over a front of. 1500 metres. We are now masters of the larger part of the advantage which the enemy obtained yesterday between the Pantheon and Froidruont Farm. Ho suffered cruel losses.

ENEMY DRIVEN BACK.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association ana

Router. (Received July 10, 9.5 p.m.) ■ PARIS, July 9.

A French communique says:— We repulsed a strong attack' against the Pantheon, and counter-attacked against trenches occupied yesterday between Les Beauvettes and the Chevrinry spur- We drove the enemy from the first lino elements on* a front of 1500 metres, regaining the greater part of tho ground lost between the Pantheon and Froidmont Farm. The enemy's attack, v here yesterday was made with elements belonging to three divisions 1 , reinforced by special assaulting troops and flame-throwers. The total aggregation was a dozen fresh' battalions.

ENEMY REPORTS.

SUCCESSES CLAIMED.

LONDON, July 9. A wireless German official message says:— We gained considerable ground and prisoners on the Chemin des Dames and south-eastward of Pargny. ana Filain.

. (Received July 10, 9.6 p.m.). LONDON, July 9. A wireless German official message says:— The Crown Prince attacked with complete Success, improving his positions on the Chemin des Dames, and captured French trenches on a front of three and a half kilometres southward of Pargny and: Filain, which were held against five counter-attacks. The French retain small portions of trenches on the west* bank of the Meuso.

THE FRENCH POLICY.

HUSBANDING HUMAN

RESOURCES.

Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association,

PARIS, July 9.

In the Chamber of Deputies, ,M. Painleve admitted that the price paid for the last offensive was too high for the results, and tho chiefs responsible had been relieved of their commands. The policy of prudence would not be lacking in energy, but" due .regard for the limits of human achievements was necessary. Rash plans would not be attempted, but the forces would be conserved for the final battle. General Petain, said the Minister, was an excellent leader for this policy.