VOLUNTARY FRENCH RETIREMENT IN SERVIA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16098, 11 December 1915, Page 7

VOLUNTARY FRENCH RETIREMENT IN SERVIA.

HOW INCORRECT STORIES OF DEFEAT AROSE. - # NOISE OF BATTLE SPREADS ALARM IN VILLAGES. ENEMY ATTEMPT TO DRIVE ALLIES INTO GREECE. (Boceired Deoember 10. 8.30 pjn.) London, December 9. The Salonika correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph writes: " The falling back of the French Army occupied ten days. It was executed in two stages, and successfully terminated on Tuesday with only the slightest losses. This voluntary retirement resulted in reports that the allies were in full retreat "When gunfire was heard at Gheugeli and the surrounding villages on Tuesday the inhabitants were panic-stricken, and rushed for the trains. Those unable thus to escape fled on foot Fugitives' stories intensified the alarm, aad spread the belief that the allies hid met with disasters. " General Sarrail is optimistic, and is" satisfied with the manner of the retirement. "It is believed that 50,000 Germans, under General von Gallwitz, are fighting with the Bulgarians. The offensive which commenced on Tuesday aims at throwing the allies into Greek territory." Last night's Paris communique recorded violent attacks at different points on the French front. All were repulsed with heavy losses. Fighting continues at the French bridge-head at Gradetz, where the railway tunnel was blown up and the Vardar bridge destroyed.