FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

Taranaki Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 144858, 9 December 1915, Page 3

FRANCE AND BELGIUM.

FIGHTING IN CHAMPAGNE. FRENCH MAKE PROGRESS. WELLINGTON, Dec. 9. The Mis’ll Commissioner reports under date London, December 8 04.50 p.m.):— In the Champagne tho French have continued to progress in tho advanced trenches, where the enemy got a footing yesterday, south of St. Souplet and east of Butte do Souaiu. Counter-attacks succeeded in mastering the German attack, which was disorganised. Last night the fight continued to recapture the portions occupied by tho enemy. WHAT TRANCE MUST DO, BEFORE THE WAR ENDS. . PARIS, Dec. 8. M. Thomas large gathering at the commemoration ceremony of 1870. He said Franco would not make peace until Alsace and Lorraine were definitely re-established as French territory, nob until her unfortunate brothers —Belgium and Serbia—were assured of the 'recovery of their homes and of complete security and independence in tho future, not until- German Imperialism and Prussian militarism were put in a position beyond tho possibility of resurrecting themselves, not until the system founded on right prevailed, and' not until there was victory tor the Allies. No matter what sacrifices were required Franco would push steadily forward to accomplish this end, before'the terrible obstacle confronting justice and liberty. “Wo have only one i-pad that which the nation in arras will open with machino-guns and cannon, 7 ’ he added.

GERMAN OFFENSIVE EXPECTED.

AMSTERDAM, Dec. R. For eight Hays the Germans have been massing troops in Belgium, and..an. attempted coup do main is expected.