GERMAN BARBARISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 16963, 27 March 1917, Page 5

GERMAN BARBARISM.

A FRENCH PROTEST.

BANKS WARNED.

Renter's Telegrams., PARIS, March 25. < (Received March 26, at 9.55 p.m.) t ■It is officially announced that France is protesting to neutral Powers that Germany has unjustifiably and barbarously devastated evacuated territories with the aim of ruining for many years one of the most fertile regions of France. The neutral Governments, are requested to warn the banks against dealing in securities sto.en by the Germans in recaptured districts, as the Allies will not recognise the validity .of- such dealings.

SENSATIONAL RUMOURS DENIED. FRENCH ADVANCE APPRECIABLY.

Australian and N.Z Cablo Association. LONDON, March 26.

(Received March 26, at 10.45 p.m.) Latest messages from the British an< French fronts show that there is not tin least justification for sensational message published to-day that a set battle ifac commenced and very heavy fighting was ir progress. The French advanced appreciably during the 24 hours, and have now driven the Germans back to a line three miles south-west of St. Quentin, where it is expected they will try to hold the line Grnnies-'Urvillers-Cerizy.

BRITISH CAVALRY WORK. KEEPING TOUCH WITH THE ENEMY. NO SERIOUSJENGACEMENT. • ' : LONDON, March 26. (Received March 27, at 1 a.m.) The Morning Post's correspondent at the British Headquarters writes: On Monday enemy detachments were holding a new outpost line on a front from St. Quentin to Qambrai, and light artillery was wildly shelling- a few ruined villages which they thought were occupied by the British cavalry. Our cavalry and cyclist patrols are constantly moving among the villages in the St. Quentin region, occasionally inviting contact with the Germans, but never continuing an engagement. The British advance east and south of Bapaume has not brought the troops to the main German armies, though they are everywhere within striking distance. A fairly strong outpost line of Germans is still unwilling to make a d&? termined stand if severely pressed The weather is ideal for cavalry work, with a keen wind, while bright sunshine affords exceptional facilities for air observation.