RELIEF FROM WESTERN OFFENSIVE.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 28

RELIEF FROM WESTERN OFFENSIVE.

LONDON, September 30. The Times correspondent at Petrograd says that the Allies’ offensive in the west instantaneously brought a certain amount of relief from the extreme tension on the Russian front between Dvinsk and Oshraiany by the withdrawal of the whole of the German Guards Corps from Vilna. Critics expect that this transfer will he followed up by others. The Nowoje Wremia estimates the German losses in the recent defeat on the east front at 75,000. In order to fill up the gap in her western lines Germany must recall an entire army from the east. This will be a difficult task, in view of the heavy drain on the German reserves caused by the precarious situation of her armies there. GERMAN REGIMENT ANNIHILATED. PETROGRAD, September 30 The 35th German Infantry Regiment suddenly attacked the Russian positions in the Eckau district (south-east of Riga). Despite a murderous machine-gun fire, they advanced rapidly. The Russians then sent out three armoured motors, against which the German bullets were powerless, and the 35th Regiment was practically annihilated. A small force of guerrillas, consisting of peasantry who e homes had been burnt, surrounded a German column in the Pinsk Marshes. The Germans took panic, and the column disappeared in a morass. MUNITIONS FROM JAPAN. LONDON, September 30. The Tokio press announces that in agreement with a request to supply Russia with munitions the State factories are being greatly extended. The project is backed by England and France.