CONTINUATION OF VIOLENT STRUGGLE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLII, Issue 9719, 23 July 1917, Page 5

CONTINUATION OF VIOLENT STRUGGLE

GENERAL ASSAULT OF ENEMY FAILS BADLY FRENCH INFLICT A SANGUINARY DEFEAT Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. (Received 1 July 22, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 20, lb is announced in a French communique ;—Tho struggle continues violently in tho region of Hurtobise and Croonne. Tho Gormans continued to renew their attacks until late at night. After a powerful artillery concentration tbo enemy last evening again attempted a general assault with important forces in the line of our plateau before Gramme and Vauclerc. Hand-to-hand fighting occurred along the whole front, which our forces defended with magnificent courage. Their resistance and tenactity overcome the furious assaults and we entirely maintained our positions everywhere. The enemy, despite his heavy sacrifices, gained no footing on either the California casemates, tho plateau, or'our positions to the westward. The ground in front of our lines is covered with bodies, testifying to the violence of the struggle and tho sanguinary defeat of the enemy. German attempts to extend the slight advantage gained yesterday between tho California casemates and the plateau were equally in vain. Moreover, energetic counter-attacks enabled us to surround a pocket into which the enemy had penetrated. Wo hold the entire crest of the plateau. The enemy still retains a space of 000 metres and is clinging to the northern edge of the plateau, where were our first line positions which tho bombardment completely destroyed. ANOTHER CONCENTRATION FOR ATTACK BROKEN UP BY FRENCH WITH HEAVY LOSSES. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. (Received July 22, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 21. To-day’s French communique states:—Enemy attacks or attempted attacks followed very violcmt bombardments at many points and sectors of the Oerny-Hurtebise-Oraoune road north eff Bruy en Laonnois, but the accurate fire and vigilance of our troops caused tho plans to fail. An enemy attack was carried out in force south-west of Ccrny. The Germans twice penetrated our advanced trendies on a trout of 200 metres, but on each occasion vigorous counter-attacks completely drove them out. We broke up with heavy losses a powerful enemy concentration for attack between Hurtebiso and the California Plateau. We recaptured trench elements in the region of 3 foul in Sous Terisent. An artillery duel is fairly lively north of the Aisno. GERMAN ATTACK HEAVILY DEFEATED STUB BOHN BATTLE ON AISNE HEIGHTS. High Commissioner’s Cable, LONDON, July 20, 3.50 p.m. A French official report says: In the region of Hurtebiso and Craonno very voleut fighting took place yesterday evening. A powerful concentration of artillery preceded the German assault which was made with important forces on our plateau before Craoraie and Vauclerc. In hand-to-hand fighting our men defended themselves magnificently. The enemy was unable to sot foot in our positions which we maintained intact despite heavy enemy sacrifices. Tile ground between the lines was covered with dead, testifying to the Woody defeat of the enemy.

Between the plateau and the California casemates eiionij- attacks were equally unsuccessful

BRILLIANT SUCCESS ON VERDUN FRONT ENEMY LINE COMPLETELY DISORGANISED. PRISONERS TAKEN FROM THREE DIVISIONS. Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association. (Received July 21, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, July 20. Details of the brilliant success which was won o» the Verdun front show that since Juno 28th when the Germans, alter a violent artillery lire, t\ itn 500 guns, secured a foremost* French position between Avocourt » nod and Hid 504 with its supporting positions to the southward, they commanded a salient at an intermediate saddle called the Col de Fonniieriou. llus erv erlooked all the French organisations and threatened to outflank HiU o 01» The French determined to win it buck and prepared a plan oi assault. A continuous bombardment caused .heavy losses to the 10th Gorman Reserve Division, which was holding the Gel do Pommerieu. Some of its panies lost 50 per cent, of their effectives until they were to 50 or 00 bayonets. Reinforcements brought the numbers up to 7o bayonets, but a few days’ shelling again brought uicir number down to 00. In consequence of this sustained loss the Division was withdrawn and replaced by the -oth Division, from Tuhur© in the Chaini>agnc. This new division was placed in tho front line between the Avocourt Wood and Hill 304. The 48th Division which had just been withdrawn from the Russian, front and was somewhat demoralised was entrusted with the second' position behind the 29th Division. The transference was in full swing when the French attack opened and prisoners were taken from all three divisions —a clear proof of the enemy’s disorganisation. The FroiLoh advanced magnificently on a one and a-half miles front and were ordered 1 to capture the crest of the saddle. Thoy reached the third trench lino before the enemy realised that, the firsrt was taken. The victors swept over the crest for 300 yards beyond their objectives and firmly established themselves on the receding islopo. The counter-attack, 12 hours later, was slow and hesitating and foredoomed to failure. SUCCESSFUL RESULTS OF BRITISH RAIDS Australian and Now Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. LONDON, July 20. Sir Douglas Tinier renorts; —Wo successfully raided at Gavrelle and northward of Ypres. The enemy’s artillery is active north-westward of Starentin and south-westward of Lens. SURPRISE VISITS TO ENEMY TRENCHES SUCCESSFUL RAIDS MADE BY BRITISH. Australian and Now Zealand Cablo Association and Reuter. (Received July 52, 5-15 p.m.) LONDON, July 21. It is reported by Sir Douglas Haig:—last night wo raided Greenland Hid, northwards of Bocux. The garrison hurriedly withdrew on our approach. 1 Wo also successfully raided to the south-westward of La 13assoc and southward of Armenticres. Gorman positions were entered on a wide front. We repulsed raider® northward 1 of Havricourt Wood and southward of Armen tieros. ACTIVE ENEMY BQMBARDMENT IN LOMBAERTZYDE SECTOR Australian and New. Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. (Received July 22, H. 5 p.m.) LONDON, July 21. Sir..Douglas’ Haig reports:— There is great activity in the enemy’s artillery on the Lonsbardzydc sector. Our aeroplanes successfully bombed four aerodromes and an important railway junction, where a largo explosion was caused 1 . CANADIAN TROOPS ESTABLISH POST NEAR LENS Reuter’s Telegram. (Received July 28, 5.5 p.m.) VANCOUVER, July 20. The Canadian troops have established a new post, 1500 yard's from the heart of Lens. There is every evidence that the Huns will hold the city until their losses become unendurable. A GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT Australian and New Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. (Received July 22, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. A wireless German official message states:—Artillery firing in Flanders is extremely violent. Enemy advances at Lombaertzyde, eastward of Messines, Gavrelle and Monchy failed. The French thrice fruitlessly attacked south-west of St. Quentin. We captured part of the French positions north-west of Cracmne. Heavy nocturnal counter-attacks forced us to 1 abandon some of ouf trenches. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. (Received July 22, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 21. A further wireless German official report states:—The artillery firing in Flanders has only temporarily decreased in violence. It has increased near the La Bassoe Canal, Lens, and the Soarpo. Strong enemy reconnoitring advances were unsuccessful. THE CRISIS IN GERMANY NEW CHANCELLOR’S IMPORTANT SPEECH PRACTICAL PLEA FOR SPEEDY PEACE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Australian and New Zealand. Cable Association. AMSImtuAM, July 20. The Reichstag was crowded when Dr. Michaous euiexvu to muae lus first speech as Chancellor. Ho was given an ovation. Tlie submarines, he said, were doing all that was expected of them, though hasty predictions that they would end the war by a certain date had created disappointment. Upon tlie peace question be said:—Germany does not want any violent increase of power. If wo can obtain an honourable peace we will not continue the war one day longer. But wc cannot negotiate while tho enemy demands portions of our territory. Me must obtain guarantees concerning .Germany’s Contintontal and overseas’ interests, ,and also economic freedom. Tho Government, supported by the people’s and the army’s leadens, had decided, that if their enemies abandoned their plans of conquest and honestly wished to negotiate for peace, it would hear what they had to say. Jb© last months had been hard for Germany in the matter of food, but ho was hopeful of an improvement being effected. Referring to the internal policy of tlie Government, .Dr. Michael’s said it would bo based unon the Kaisor’s declaration of July 11th, in which ho made an. important concession to the democratic agitation, and ordered that an Equal Franchise Bill should be submitted to the Russian Diet in rime to enable the next elections to be held in accordance with tho new franchise thus modifying his previous decision that the reforms should only operate after the war, . Dr. Sohjedemann, chairman of the Reichstag Constitutional Committee, spoko against the submarine policy, and said that it had done ruore harm than good. Ho expressed dissatisfaction at the vagueness of tho references to internal reform and demanded Dr. Liehknecht’s release from prison. Tlie peace resolution agreed upon by Dr. Erzborger and the bloc which was formed against Dr. ton Bethmann-HoUweg was carried by 224 votes to 116. The resolution is as follows; —- Germany i> determined to hold out to tho very end to prevent any spoliation, of its territory or any but does not contemplate. annotation*? nr tho humiliation of her enemies, but- desires only a pence securing Germany’s safety and economic development*.

A DEXTEROUS FACING-ALL-WAYS SPEECH COMMENT BY THE BRITISH PRIME MINISTER. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. (Received July 22, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON. Jvftj 21. Air Lloyd George, speaking at the Belgian ‘‘lndependence Day ’ least i& the Queen's Hall, and referring to the now German Chancellor’s speech, askef ivhat liorie of an honourable peaee it conuuneti. It was u (icxterou.s facing-all-ways speech. It was the speech of a man awaiting a military issue. Let the Allies bear that in mind, said the Prime Minister. There were phrases in the speech that the German military powers will understand, phrases about "making the frontiers of Germany secure." That phrase annexed Alsace-Lorraine and has drenched Europe in blood since 191 J. That phrase, if they dare, will annex Belgium and Courland and will again precipitate in Europe a welter of blood within a generation unless it is wilted out on the battlefields of Europe. WHAT GERMANY MUST CONCEDE SPEECH BY SIR EDWARD CARSON. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. (Received July 22, 5.3 p.m.) LONDON July 21. ~ Sir Edward Carson has been accorded the Freedom of Belfast. " in a speech referring to Dr Michaohs’s pronouncement, Sir Edward Carson said: “If the Germans want peace wo are prepared to-morrow to treat, not with Prussianism, but with the rest of the German nation. It they are sincere in repudiating the -wish to acquire territory or to exercise violence towards others, we tell them to come forward and ,we ..will offer to enter into negotiations, hut conditionally upon their first withdrawing behind the Rhine. When they show contrition for drenching countries with blood we are willing to see what can be done to release the world from the terrors of arms; but it must bo a real peace and ensuring that the sacrifices of those who have fallen will not have been in vain.’’ RETALIATION FOR RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE STRONG GERMAN ATTACK OPENED. > - - - BOASTFUL WORDS FROAI HINDENBURQ. Reuter’s Telrarams. __ AMSTERDAM, July 20L In the Reichstag Dr. Aliohaelis, the now German Chancellor, referring to the Russian offensive, said that General Drusiloff’s goal was Lemberg and th» oil wells near Draholiycz in order to impair Germany’s submarine war. Half-an-hour ago I received the ‘ following message from General von Hindoo burg;—“Provoked! by the Russian offensive in Galicia, a strong attack was inaugurated there to-day under the personal leadership of Prince Leopold of Bavaria, resultng in the Austro-Gormans breaking through the Russian positions near Zloczow« General Brusiloff’s gains have therefore been equalised. DR. AIICHAELIS'S ADDRESS CREATES UNFAVOURABLE - lAIPRESSI ON. ' Australian and New Zealand Cable Association. (Received July 22, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, July 21.' Reports from Berlin stale that Dr Michaclis’s speech created 1 an unsatiS" factory impression and 1 pleased neither side of the Houso. The House passed a resolution, although Dr. Aliohaelis disapproved of it. This is regarded as a sign of want of confidence evoked by an over diplomatic speech. Michaelis's announcement that ho favoured peace by conciliation is believed to he a hint of possible neutral mediation. WAVY FULLY EXTENDED ASSISTANCE URGENTLY REQUIRED SUBAIARINE ACTIVITY A GROWING PERIL. LOSS THIS YEAR EXPECTED TO BE 7,000,000 TONS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. Reuter's Telegrams. (Received duty 21, 5.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, July 20. The leading New York and Washington papers are publishing semi-official cables from nonuou ©mpnusismg me importanceWf the submarine menace and calling for more American warsnips anu su bnianne chasers in British waters. It is stated that the British Navy is now-stretched to its capacity'. The, snipping losses caused bv the U-boats in the first six months of the present, year were 5,500,000 tons and they will exceed 7,000,000 tons for the yeax, if the present rate continues. The losses from the beginning of the war until the present month have been 7,500,000 tons. . ... Up to the present year the new construction has kept pace, with the lOSSe |{ 0W ships are now being launched at the rate of 1,500,000 tons lySUBMARINE MENACE MOST SERIOUS GRAVE WARNING BY LORD NORTHCLIFFE. BUILDING OF SHIPS THE BEST COUNTER POSSIBLE. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association and ReuterNEW YORK, July 2a Lord Northciiffo, in the course of an interview, said:— The submarine is the most serious feature of the War at this moment The official figures issued weekly are nor intentionally misleading, but they do mislead people not acquainted with .shipping. Possibly Sir Eric G-edttes,-the new First Lord of the Admiralty, may issue the figures in language which can be understood by the people. 1 do not believe in sudden cures for submarines. The best method of countering thorn is the building of ships. FRENCH LOSSES BY SUBMARINE ACTIVITY FIVE SHIPS SUNK DURING LAST WEEK. Australian and New Zealand Cable Association and Reuter. PARIS, July 20. The following official return has been published in connection with thfc German submarine blockade, covering the French losses for the week ending July loth with the figures for the previous week:— Week ending Week ending " July Bth. July 15th. Arrivals -. 1068 1037 Sailings 1009 1029 Sinkings— Over IGOO tons 3 -T Under 1600 tons ; 1 2 Fa 'iiccessfully attacked 9