GENERAL WAR NEWS

Southland Times, Issue 17732, 9 August 1917, Page 2

GENERAL WAR NEWS

EARLIER CABLES THE WEST FRONT. (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, August 7. French communique ; There is a lively artillery struggle in Belgium, particularly in the sector of Bixschoote, also north of the Aisnc, on the Hurtebise-Craonne front. After a lively bombardment the Germans in the morning attempted to attack between Avocourt Wood and Hill 301. A violent, well-directed fire forced the assailants to return immediately to their own trenches, after suffering appreciable losses. Sir Douglas Haig states that there is nothing to report, f AMSTERDAM, August 7. ; A wireless German official states that the enemy bombarded at Huiluch and on the Scarpe. We successfully raided northward of the Laon-Soissons road and near Berry-au-Bac. THE EAST FRONT. SITUATION MOST UNSATISFACTORY. LONDON, August 7. Mr Wilton, the war correspondent, writing from the Headquarters of the Seventh Army, says he fears the enemy will succeed in surrounding the troops remaining in Roumania and the Carpathians. The failure to restrain the Austro-German tide between Kamirsc and Czernovitz is most unfortunate news. The Russian line is unstable. The situation suggests that it would have been well had General Komiuoff’s suggestion to abandon all offensives and regroup the armies promptly been heeded. The boldness of the enemy’s movements is based on the asumption of the Russo-Roumanian inability to deliver a strong counter-blow from the Carpathians. This has proved correct owing to the Galician blow imperilling the Russian army’s front. The Germans are now secure, from interference on the Carpathians and Roumanian fronts in earning out plans of conquest in Southern Russia. Mr Wilton interviewed General Korniloff, who said the signs indicate that Germany has decided to transfer her main pressure to the Russian front; therefore, it is hopeless to rely on the methods that availed against inferior Austrian troops. Russia is full of men of splendid fighting material, and 10,000,000 are already enrolled, but are scarcely trained, having been too busy attending meetings. These must be trained by British and French officers. It was a bitter disappointment to have to carry on the war for another year. The burden was heavier on Russia than the other Allies, but unless they wish national suicide they must bravely grapple with the task, remembering that the enemy is in worse case than even Russia, being only able to flaunt victories over a foe grievously sick, though not incurable. General BrusilofFs dismissal is irrevocable. STEADY ENEMY PRESSURE. LONDON, August 7. Russian official : There is intense enemy artillery activity south-west of Brody. The enemy is gathering the harvest in the Sercth and Suczavy Valleys. The enemy continues its pressure, occupying Vaskovoy, Satulmary, and Burlie Glit, also the heights north of Nolit, in the direction of Kimpolung. We beat off several attacks in the region forcing the enemy to retire in disorder. We repulsed attacks west of Dzelin. We retired a few versts in the region of the Bystritza River. Owing to the voluntary retirement of two regiments the enemy took the offensive in the direction of Focsani and pressed us across the Tyrladasus River. GERMAN REPORT. LONDON, August 7. German official : We continue our advance in the Sereth and Suczawa valleys and mountains, despite stubborn resistance. Renewed Roumanian attacks in Putna Valley severely broke down. The Prussians and Bavarians stormed the Russian positions northward of Fochhany, taking prisoners 1300 and capturing thirteen guns. ATTACKS ON DR MICHAELIS. LONDON, August 7. The whole German press is attacking Dr Michaelis’s Ministerial appointments. The Liberal and Social Democratic papers regarded the appointments as a challenge to Parliamentary Government and accuse Dr Michaelis of cowardice in deferring action until the Reichstag was adjourned. The Pan-Germans are angry, believing that one Minister, Herr Juhlinau, favours a rapprochmcnt with England. BRITAIN'S NEW SHIPS. LONDON, August 7. In the House of Commons Sir L. G. Chiozza-Money stated that the first standardised ships would be completed in August with $ deadweight capacity of 8000 tons. It was undesirable to give the speed. SAFE CONDUCT FOR HOSPITAL SHIPS. MADRID, August 7. As a result of Spanish representations Germany has agreed to safe conduct for hospital ships provided Spanish naval officers are aboard and guarantee that only sick end wounded are carried. GENERAL ITEMS, AMSTERDAM, August 7. The Kaiser is visiting the west front. An Austrian submarine torpedoed the steamer Berthilde, which was revictuailing French warships in the Medite.rranean. Twenty-five were drowned and the commander was imprisoned. WASHINGTON, August 7. Five members of the Japanese House of Representatives leave for America on October 1 and spend three months studying conditions. President Wilson visited the Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission. He is taking personal charge of Government measures to reduce prices. Senator Root, interviewed, said there were scarcely more disorders in Russia than in America. It was erroneous to imagine that little was proceeding in Russia except demonstrations. The Russian women were doing wonderful work and shaming the men into fighting. Liberia has declared war against Germany. LONDON, August 7. Mr Bonar Law stated that the Cabinet had accepted the principle of a transfer of responsibility for recruiting to civilian control. TIENTSIN, August 7. The Acting-Premier conferred with Allied diplomats regarding an Allied loan to China. The Chines Government is making the fullest military preparations.