AWAITING THE BIG CLASH.

Wanganui Herald, Volume L, Issue 14700, 3 September 1915, Page 5

AWAITING THE BIG CLASH.

ALLIED OFFICERS OPTIMISTIC. THE ARMIES IN THE BEST OF SPIRITS. GERMANS PREPARING FOR RETREAT. By Electric Telejjraph.—Copyright. Received September 3, 9.20 a.m. LONDON, September 2. The Central News’ correspondent in Northern France states that the sustained vigour of the French bombardment in the Argonne and the Vosges is having a cumulative effect on the enemy, who confesses his inferiority by the fact that he is linking up his defence with his new line, in anticipation of the need of falling back. The Germans several times attempted to leave their trenches at Souchez, In the Argonne, and in the Vosges, but were always repulsed. The French front line of trenches bristles with mitrailleuses, supported by heavy batteries. The German position in-the ravine of Courte Chaussee, in the Argonne, was bombarded with 80,000 shells for four hours, with magnificent effect. The Allied officers are all optimistic, and the armies are awaiting' the big clash with the best of spirits. The Germans are sending back large quantities of stores to towns at the rear of the Belgian lines. -. -1— i , . * GOOD WORK BT AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z TROOPS. IMPORTANT GROUND GAINED. By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received September 3, 9.20 a.m. LONDON, September 2. At the Dardanelles last week the New Zealanders and Australians in the British northern zone delivered successful attacks, and gained possession of a mountain ridge west of Blyuk Anafarta, which had lately been much disputed. FIVE TURKISH TRANSPORTS SUNK. OTHERS STRUCK BY WARSHIPS’ GUNS. Received September 3, 9.20 a.m. • LONDON, September 2. An Allied aeroplane sank a Turkish transport on the 20th. British submarines torpedoed four Turkish transports, two of which were anchored at Acba Shiliman, and two between Gallipoli and Nagara. The guns of the Allies’ warships also struck several Turkish vessels anchored in the Straits. FAILURE OF SUBMARINE WARFARE EFFECTIVE BRITISH METHODS. FIFTY GERMAN CRAFT LOST. Received September 3, 9.20 a.m. NEW YORK, September 2. An officer aboard the AdriaUc repi rts that the submarine which sank the Arabic was captured by the British, and the crew are now prisoners in England. The officer asserted that the British 1 ive captured or'sunk 50 German Submarines already.

THE WAR PLOTTERS.

HOW THEY MISJUDGED BRITAIN. GERMAN CONFIDENCE IN EASY VICTORY. LONDON, September 2. | The Belgian Grey Book contains a 1 series of documents showing that, Germany and Austria were plotting war foreseeing a European conflict, yet ly hoping that Britain would remain neutral. M. Beyeua, Belgian Minister in Berlin, learning on the 4th of August of the intention to violate. Belgian, neutrality. coupled with tho hope that no resistance would be offered, asked Herr Jagow had he no reply. His only apology was: “It is a question of life cr death for Germany.” M. Beycn-s remarked that the whole of Belgium would approve of King Albert’s Government’s reply, adding. “Yon must recognise any j other reply is impossible.’’ Jagow replied, “I recognise it. I understand your reply as a private person, but as Secretary of State I have no opinion to express.” M. Beyens rejoined: “A nation is like a private person. It cannot live without honor- Europe will judge. Moreover, you will have against yon England, faithful guarantor of our neutrality.” Jagow shrugged his shoulders, signifying either that the idea was impossible or else the die was cast: “We cannot draw back.” M. Beyens’ despatches showed that the prevalent feeling in Berlin was that France had insufficiently heavy guns,while Krupn and Von Bohlen described Russia’s artillejw as far from good or complete. Hence the war-makers had absolute confidence in a swift and easy victory.

BERMAN LIE FACTORY.

TRYING TO DISCREDIT BRITISH FINANCE. Received September 3. 8 a.m. LONDON". September 2. The Treasury, referring to statements which have been circulated in' various parts of the country, that currency rotes bearing certain specified serial numbers are forgeries, says the origin of the statements cannot he traced, hut they are suspected of having emanated from enemy sources, vith a view tr shaking Dublin confidence. Hitherto. | comparatively few forgeries of currency notes have crime to the notice of the -.'"yeasurv or the Ranks. V AT WORK IN SPAIN. LONDON. September ?... German anents are hosier then ever in Spain, where thev are spreading reports of German yic*nries..and the final defeat of Ru«ia. Their organisation inroads over the whole country. Kven in. insignificant villages. twheUe the nv>r of labourers cannot read, individuals in the pay of the German s-nvt service can be found reading almid to workmen from pro-German newspapers* —(Hines and Sydney Sun Services.)

FRENCH SUCCESS IN CAMEROONS.

IMPORTANT POSITIONS CAPTURED. Received September 3, 8 a.m. PARIS, September 2. A communique states that French columns in the south-east Cameroons advancing towards Yanide, which was raptured, occupied the station at Dume, after two engagements. Our unexpected attack completely surprised the Germans, who abandoned important positions at Najassi, and strongly fortified posts between Hondihune Ngilaboldune, and threw their transport into the river. We also seized Abonginbong, the enemy retiring northward, with a view to organising fresh resistance in the vicinity of Joko.

FRENCH COMMUNIQUE.

Received September 3. 9.20 a.m. PARIS, September 2. A communique states that there has been grenade fighting at Souchez, and artillery engagements at Neuville, Roye, and. in the Vosges. Matters are very calm on the southern front. FIGHTING IM ALSACE. GERMANS CLAIM SUCCESSES. Received September 3, 11.25 a.m. BERLIN, September 2. A communique states: In an attack on the 31st we re-captured the LinekopfBarrenkopf position, and repulsed all counter-attacks. FRESHWATER VON TIRPITZ REPORTED ILL. Received September 3, 8 a.m. AMSTERDAM, September 2. Admiral von Tirpitz is reported to be ill from overwork, and the doctors have ordered him an extended holiday. KZ. WOUNDEDJN BRITAIN. Received September 3. 9.20 a.m. LONDON, September 2. There are over a thousand New Zealand wounded in the Military Hospitals in various parts of Britain. The Hon. Tims. Mackenzie visited Bethnal Green, and interviewed 60 Nevv Ze danders, all of whom are progressing favourably. There are over a hundred in the N.Z. Hospital at Walton. THE POPE AND PEACE. ' ‘ Received September 3, 8.50’ a.m. .WASHINGTON, September 2. Cardinal Gibbous has presented to President Wilson a message from the Pope on peace.