France.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 99, 17 August 1914, Page 5

France.

WAITING FOR NEWS OF A GREAT BATTLE. [By Electric Telegraph—Copyright] [United Press Association.] Paris, August 16. An official communique has been issued to prepare the public for the reception of news of a great tattle which is imminent,

RIVAL ARMIES IN ALSACE.

Paris, August 10

It is estimated that half a million French are massed in Alsace. Strong forces hold the passes from the west as far as those leading down to Colmar, while the southern line spreads across country soutili of Mulliausen. Germans are concentrating

around and south of Colmar. There have already been slight artillery duels in which the Germans were the most active. The French had the hotter of numerous outpost encounters. The Germans burned many farxs in their retreat from advanced positions.

THE PEACE PROPOSALS

Paris, August 16

Tlie Government, replying to President Wilson's mediation proposition, says: "France recognises this evidence jof your interest in the destinies of .France."

OPERATIONS OF THE ALLIES IN ALSACE.

Paris, August 15

It is officially notified that the junction of the French and Belgian armies lias been completed. Three French staff officers are attached to the Belgian headquarters, and two with the French. A great is expected in Upper Alsace, where the French have every interest to assume the offensive and sweep the province clear of Germans preparatory to co-operating with the central army opposite Metz and Luxembourg,

It is officially stated that the French in considerable strength are advancing on Gembloux, via Charleroi (35 miles south-east'of Brussels). NEWS FRENCH SOLDIERS. Paris, August 15. M. Messimy has arranged with M. Viviani (Prime Minister) personally' Ito issue; a >daily bulletin of news for (circulation among the troops to'enable them to judge the importance of their individual efforts in relation to the national struggle. DISASTER TO A ZEPPELIN. Paris, August 15. A Zeppelin commenced reconnaisance above Nancy on August 8. Perrin, attached to the French garrison, immediately went out. and, out-man-oeuvring the Zeppelin without difficulty, dropped bomhs from above the airship, which fell a mass of shattered wreckage at Chateau Sarins.

A number of French aviators have flown over Alsace, throwing messages and accurate accounts of the fighting.

STATE OF THE GERMAN ARMY.

Paris, August 15

Deserters state that General Deimlin«r was wounded by a bullet in the tongue and taken to the hospital. The deserters are almost dying of hunger. They subsisted on a morsel of sausage and two spoonfuls of peas. The German troops had been informed that M. Poincaire, the French President, had boon assassinated, and Paris declared a commune.