THE FRENCH LINES.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12070, 27 July 1917, Page 2

THE FRENCH LINES.

PLATEAUX BATTLES, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association *nd rtouter. PARIS, July r 25. A French communique says :—There was very lively reciprocal artillery fire, especially on tha California and Casemates plateaux, at Moronvilliers, and on the left bank of the Mouse. ENEMY'S MASSED ARTILLERY. Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. PAKIS. July 25. A narrative of the German assault r ii the Chemin dos Dames says that thm artillery has been enormously reinforced. Fifty-two guns wore counted to the kilometre, while 260 were, concentrated before tho attacked sector. For tho attack on Avocourt Wood and Hill 304 the Germans maused 500 guns on a front of eighteen hundred metres. The attack was launched at daybi'e.'.ik with a ceaseless artillery fire, under which the infantry carried all positions unprotected by accessory defences, but when obstacles wero encountered the attack became a butchery. The 214 th and 215 th Prussian Regiments lost 50 per cent of their effectives.

BALKANS CONFERENCE. Renter's Telegrams. PARIS, July 26. The Allied Balkan Conference has opened. M. Ribot- referred to the modified conditions created by Greece ranging alongside the Allies, necessitating tjie reconsideration of the military situation in the Balkans.