THE EASTERN FRONT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17089, 22 August 1917, Page 5

THE EASTERN FRONT

GERMAN BRUTALITY,

GALLANT RUMANIAN TROOPS,

The Timea.

LONDON, August 20. The Times special correspondent at Rumanian headquarters cables : The situation is still very critical. The Germans have made a wonderful system of broad roads in mountains, where even pathways did not exist before. On this work they are, with the utmost brutality and without consideration of age or sex, forcing the Rumanian population to work 16 honrs a day. _ The enthusiasm of the Rumanian troops is beyond praise, and their wounded continue to fight until decimated.

POSITION SATISFACTORY,

ENEMY'S PROGRESS SLIGHT.

FIGHTING NEAR THE SERETH

neuter's Telegrams.

. LONDON, August 20. The situation on the Russian and Rumanian fronts generally is satisfactory. The Germans at present are not making serious progress in Poldolia' or, Bessarabia, while the magnificent resistance of the Russo-Rumanian troops is holding up the enemy in Moldavia. The Austro-Germans have not yet reached Ocna, and have not progressed much down the Trotus Valley. A severe struggle is progressing further south in the neighbourhood of the Sereth. GERMANS CLAIM SUCCESSES. THREE THOUSAND FIVE HUNDRED PRISONERS. Admiralty, per Wireless Press. LONDON, August 20. A German official message says: The Austro-Germans drove back the stub-bornly-resisting Rumanians on both sides of the Oituz Valley, taking 1500 prisoners. Stubborn struggles are reging on the west bank of the Sereth. We took 2000 prisoners. We repulsed strong Russian attacks southward of .the confluence of the Rimnicu and the Sereth. RUSSIA'S PROBLEMS. CONTROL OF RAILWAYS. DEMAND BY GENERAL KORNLLOFF. The Times. LONDON, August 20. Mr Walton (The Times correspondent), reviewing the Russian situation, says: The sobering influence of the rebellion and the military catastrophe has already dissipated political parties shouting their rival programmes. The prospects of agreement at the Moscow Conference are now bright.

General Komiloff has demanded full military control of the railways. General Korniloff's confidential report states that he will be able to rally Ms fleeing armies by prompt and stern measures, but the drafts arriving from the rear to fill the heavy losses caused by desertion are utterly unfitted, owing to the complete absence of discipline and training. The rail ways also are in a disorganised state. These defects are fraught with imminent peril, in face of the great enemy forces. No fewer than 150 Jews have been promoted to be lieutenants in the army. ENEMY MOVEMENT STOPPED. RIGA OFFENSIVE IMPOSSIBLE. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. PETROGRAD, August 20. General Korniloff has reported that the army's morale is improved. Ho declares that the enemy movement on the southwestern front has been stooped. The commander of the 10th Army states that the rumour of a threatened German offensive at Riga was spread by German •agents. The bulk of the enemVs artillery is in Rumania, thus making a *Riga offensive impossible. CONSTITUENT ASSEMBLY. CONVOCATION DELAYED. PETROGRAD. August 20. The newspaper Swiet states that an agreement has been reached to postpone the convocation of the Constituent Assembly until November 3or 10. The Government has decided to admit women to the civil service. THE EX-CZAR. REMOVAL TO TOBOLSK. PETROGRAD, August 20. Official : The ex-Czar has gone to Tobolsk. His removal was dictated by interests for his safety. RUMArHANS RETIRING. ALLIES TAKE SEVERAL VILLAGES. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association and Reuter. Admiralty, per Wireless Press. LONDON, August 21»> (Received Aug. 21, at 9.50 p.m.) A Russian official message says: The enemy attacked with persistency in the direction of Ocna and Onestchi, and pressed back the Rumanians to the southwestern outskirts of Ocna. The enemy's attacks in the region of Grazestchi resulted in the capture of the Stakleria factory. The engagement is proceeding. The enemy made a successful offensive westward of the Focsani-Ajud railway, and compelled the Rumanians to retire eastward of the railway. We occupied several villages in the region southward of Pelmirbelumer, in the Caucasus.