THE EAST FRONT.

Otago Witness, Issue 3247, 7 June 1916, Page 20

THE EAST FRONT.

POLO RUSSIAN AGREEMENT. LONDON, May 29. A Petrograd message states that M. Sazanoff (Minister for Foreign Affairs), in the course of an interview, expressed himself as gratified by Mr Asquith's recognition of the complete Polo-Russian agreement on the Eastern question. The alliance was born of the war, and had become a permanent alliance based on common interests, mutual understanding, and popular sentiment. Russia was not aggressive toward Sweden, and was determined to fulfil her promise to grant Polish autonomy. SUBMARINE IN BALTIC. STOCKHOLM, May 50. A submarine between Hafrige and Landsort had a brisk engagement with. German armed trawlers convoying ore steamers. Details are being awaited. RELIEF FOR POLES. FOOD FROM AMERICA. COPENHAGEN, May 30. The Danish newspaper Dagens Nyheder states that the Allies will permit the population of Poland in Austro-German occupation to receive food from America, on the Central Powers guaranteeing that it will be distributed only to the poor, and will not reach soldiers or ordinary civilians. As the American Relief Committee's food gift will not arrive before July, Norway is sending 4000 tons of grain, on the understanding that America, will refund her the same quantity. It is believed that Sweden and Denmark will respond similarly. RUSSIA AND CONSTANTINOPLE. LONDON, May 30. In the House of Commons, Mr Outhwaite drew attention to M. Melinkoffa statement in the Duma that Russia'* supreme aim was to get Constantinople, and asked whether that represented Russians view. Sir Edward Grey said it Avas undesirable to comment on an unofficial statement.

INCREASED ACTIVITY. AMSTERDAM, June 1. The Berliner Tageblatt reports increased Russian activity in- Volhynia and Bessarabia. KAISER VISITS GERMAN LINES. HTNDENBURG'S ACHIEVEMENTS. AMSTERDAM, June 2. The Kaiser, when at the eastern front, responding to Marshal Hindenburg's fervent welcome, said : " Thank you for your freat achievement in 1915 —your quiet, rave perseverance through the winter, ana your nau ngiitiiig ill tne autumn offensive. The enemy against whom you are fighting are superior in lumbers, but this is nothing new to us. Our great King has given us a splendid example; Providence has so willed it. It is a good thing, too; because it has obliged us to brace Ourselves to very special deeds and efforts. My armies will endure victorioiisly, and by God's help will win an honourable peace such as we desire. "To you, dear Field-marshal, Providence has allotted a great task in freeing East Prussia of the enemy and carrying our arms far into Russia. The Fatherland ■will always remember your achievement. The name of Hindenburg is already of legendary fame." The Kaiser when at Mitau distributed a number of Iron Crosses. ARTILLERY ACTIVE. INDICATIONS OF AN OFFENSIVE. VIENNA, June 5. A communique states : The Russians are bombarding the entire north-eastern front, and are especially violent on the Dniester and Lower Strypa, north-west of Tarnapol, in Volhynia. There are indications everywhere that infantry attacks are imminent.