THE KOVEL FRONT.

Colonist, Volume LVII, Issue 14144, 22 July 1916, Page 5

THE KOVEL FRONT.

DIFFICULTIES OF THE

RUSSIANS

STOKHOD DEFENCES IMMENSELY

STRONG

("The Times.")

London, July 20,

Mr Stanley Washburn, who is on the Kovel front, describes the Russian difficulties. The Atustro-Germans scientifically strengthened the natural defensive lines on the Stokhod, intending either to give time for the completion of the Kovel fortification or check the Russian advance while Kovel was smoothly evacuated.

He points out that the Germans are in a dilemma, as they do not know when to expect the next Russian blow, because the Russians are hitting here, there, and everywhere; but the Germans are clever fencers and have fought most desperately.

It is a mistake to imagine that the Germans are on the verge of collapse, although the shortage of food at home is causing the troops uneasiness -and anxiety, affecting their morale.

The Austro-German losses In ten days here were from 75,000 to 100,000.