LATEST WAR NEWS.

Mataura Ensign, 17 April 1917, Page 2

LATEST WAR NEWS.

STOP PRESS NEWS

->>—■“» ’ • DM THE WESTERN FRONT. GREAT FRENCH OFFENSIVE. lIEPORTEITSTARTED. .('Renter’s Telegram*.) Received April 17, 2.10 p.m. .'LONDON, April 16. The Headquarters correspondent reports that a great, French offensive has begun. RECAPTURE OF LAGNICOURT. A SHORT-LIVED VICTORY. Received April 17, 2.10 p.ra. LONDON, Anvil 16. Correspondents describin'! the recapture of Lagnicourt state that the German victory was short-lived, “Our men rested, re-formed, and. stiffened with supports, went forward again under cover of a. barrage. “They advanced in alternate _ companies, one halting and firing while the other advanced, on the principle oi the flanking fusillade. “When the position was reeceup'ed. after three hours’ absence, 1500 German corpses lay among a much larger number of wounded, while 300 were taken prisoner.’’ The most conservative estimate place? the Germans’ losse at two-thirds of a division. An authoritative explanation is given of the retirement of the Australians—that after piercing the Hindenhurg line a sudden snowstorm prevented the aircraft obtaining artillery co-operation.

AMERICA'S ACTION.

THE SELECTIVE DRAFT.

PRINCIPLE REJECTED

Received Anvil 17; 2 p.m. WASHINGTON, April 16. The House Military Committee rejected the principle of the selective draft as recommended by President Wilson in raising the army. WELCOME TO MR BALFOUR. Received April 17. 1.25 p.ra. BOSTON, April 16. The Committee of Welcome to Rt. Hon. A, J. Balfour arrived secretly. It includes Rear-Admiral Fletcher, Commander Sellars, Colonel Mitehic, Lieu-tenant-Colonel Croshie, Captain Queckmeycr, and' Third Assistant Secretary of State Long. GENERAL NEWS. GENERAL STRIKE IN BERLIN. RIOTING IN EVIDENCE. Received April 1.7, 2 p.m. AMSTERDAM, April 16. Travellers report that a general strike commenced in Berlin to-day. The strikers are already rioting. AUSTRIA’S ANXIETY FOR PEACE. APPEAL TO THE POPE. ' Received April 17, 1.25 ip. in. LONDON, April 16. Italian and Dutch telegrams show that Austria is making active efforts towards peace with Russia. Count Czernih has submitted definite proposals to the Provisional Government, and has also appealed to the lope to institute peace proposals. Count Czernin lias given a Socialists’ deputation special passports to go to Stockholm.’ B^tfiSHAMiwS. OUR’UNItEb EMPIRE.

THE OVERSEAS . DELEGATES. Received April 17, 1.25 p.m. . LONDON, April 16. Hie Colonial Institute, Empire League, and Victoria League tendered a joint reception to the overseas delegates f the Imperial Institute on Tuesday. The address of welcome says that “On many battlefields it has been proved that in lighting to the death the sons of the Empire are not divided, while the presence of the overseas statesmen equally proves that in the councils of the Empire we are equally undivided. We desire to register our pride in the partnership and our confidence in. ultimate victory.”