RUSSIAN POISON GAS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 18

RUSSIAN POISON GAS.

PETROGRAD, June 20. General Brussiioff's push opened with a gas attack over a 30=sni!e section. A new Russian gas was projected, and this was followed by a hurricane of artillery fire. The composition of the gas is a secret, and the gas is without an antidote. Launched in a definite direction, it carries for miles under the propellant employed. When used over a distance of three miles, it can he combined with explosive charges in big shells. GERMAN OFFICIAL CLAIMS. LONDON, Juno 19. A Berlin communique states* The battle northwest of Lntzk is proceeding in our favour, and. the number of prisoners and booty has increased. The Russians south-west of Lutzk are-

attacking in tho direction of Goroehov. General von Bothmer's position is unchanged. A German communique states: General von Linsingen partly repulsed Russian attacks on the Styr, west of Kolki, and at Stockhod, near the Kovel-Kovno railway. The Russians are attacking south-west of Lutzk, in the direction of Brockoff. VALUE OF CZi'iRXOWjTZ. LONDON, June 19. Military critics point out that Russia's possession of Czernowitz is a necessary preliminary to using the Kirilthaba Bass, one of the least difficult routes over the Carpathians. PARIS, June 19. Re Journal points out that the Austrians are retreating to the Carpathians, and it is extremely difficult for a defeated army to re-form in narrow gorges without running a terrible risk of being wiped out.