CONSTANT'S FEARS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16435, 11 January 1917, Page 5

CONSTANT'S FEARS

GREECE EXPECTED TO YIELD

THE STRUGGLE FOR MOLDAVIA

RUSSIAN ATTACKS ON RIGA FRONT

DECISIONS OF ROME CONFERENCE

MILITARY AMALGAMATION OF ALLIES

It is thought that King Constantine, not caring to risk his capital and bis throne, will yield to the allies' ultimatum. The food crisis *n Greece caused by the blockade is acute, Venizelists are leaving Athens in large numbers for Salonika and the islands. The Russians have taken up new positions on the line of the Putna and Sereth Hirers. They are tenaciously defending the approaches from the Transylvanian Alps to the Mol> davian Plain. The Aostrians and Germans were repulsed In a battle on the Wallachian front. It is surmised that the Russians will retreat to the Pruth owing to the loss of Fock> sbani having imperilled their Sereth line. The activity of the Russians on the Riga front during the past few days has been intended to ease the pressure on Roumania. The Russians in this sector appear to have plenty of munitions and large reserves. They have made sudden attacks during snowstorms, and gained several successes. One advance took them four miles over the frozen marshes. Their latest gain is the capture of an island in the Western Dvins River. A French newspaper states that the recent conferences of the allies in Rome achieved the political and military amalgamation of the allies. Italy concurred with the view, point of the other allies regarding Greece, and reciprocity in material among the allies was arranged for. A recent British raid near Arras penetrated to the German tliird line. No opposition was met with. It is surmised that the Germans are nursing their ammunition and holding their lines thinly. It Is reported that Germany will issue a rejoinder to the allies' reply to the peace overtures. Pro»Gennan intrigue has brought about the resignation of the Spanish Cabinet, but the Count of Romanones, who is a sympathiser with the allies, retains the Premiership, and will reconstruct the Ministry.