SITUATION IN GREECE.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15127, 23 January 1917, Page 2

SITUATION IN GREECE.

BRITAIN TAKING OTEB All BIG SHIPS.

Australian and N.E. Cable Association.) LONDON, January 21. The Daily Chronicle’s Athens correspondent states that the newspapers discuss and oppose the proposal for the taking over of vessels of the Greek mercantile maria© above four thousand tons by Britain. This would involve two-thirds of the Greek shipping. Discontent is expressed regarding the amount of the indemnity to be paid in case* of loss, owing to many of the ships having been bought at enhanced prices. The Government has not yet received the details of the British demand. Other correspondents state that the scheme enables the Greeks to retain sufficient tonnage to meet the country’s necessities. It is understood that England offers thirty shillings per ton per month, calculating the tonnage on a basis of the weight of the loaded shr the vessels to ho taken over until six months after the war. It is indicated that if the owners arc unwilling to accept the demand, the ships will be commandeered and lees favourable rates paid.

GREEK ARTILLERY AND MACHINEGUNS REMOVED. LONDON, January 21. Mr Jeffries, from Athene, states that the Allies have taken precautions to render an attack upon General Sarrail’s forces impossible. Only 2000 Greek troops are to be permitted to remain in the north. All the Greek artillery and machine-guns are to he removed. If the Greek Government shows an equal goodwill in dissolving the Reservist Leagues, the Allies will slacken the blockade in a week if they regard the crisis as over.

ON THE WEST FRONT.

SUCCESSFUL BRITISH RAIDS. (Asus, & N.ZL Cable Assn. & Reuter.) LONDON, January 22. Marshal Haig reports;—We successfully raided trenches south-east of Loos, and destroyed the enemy’s dug-outs, inflicting many casualties. We entered the enemy lines last night north of Neuve Chapelle.; Mutual artillery fire is active.

FRENCH COMMUNIQUE. LONDON, January 22, A French communique states: We conducted a-successful coup de main towards Seynes. Our artillery caught marching enemy troops south of Mont St. Quentin. There is great reciprocal artillery fire in various sectors.

THE GERMAN FLEET. DISSATISFACTION AT ITS INACTIVITY. (Australian and N.Z- Cable Services.) PARIS, January 21. The inactivity of the German fleet is exciting bitterness in Germany. Count Holweg has, published an apologetic pamphlet stating that a naval offensive against the British fleet would he heroic madness. Germany’s naval Jask should consist of harassing the British fleet and keeping, it on the alert, thus making submarine warfare possible and safeguarding German and Scandinavian commerce.

SWISS NEUTRALITY. HUNS’ ASSURANCE DOUBTED. LONDON, January 20. Th,© Daily News publishes a message from Lausanne which states that despite German Swiss are preoccupied with the possibility of a German invasion in a desperate attempt to secure peace within three mouths by a smashing blow on the west. Three ways of invasion are discussed--firstly, from Austria through the Grisons and St. Gothard passes into Italy; secondly, from Germany via Porrentruy. threatening Belfort; and thirdly, via Schachausen, threatening the industrial heart of Prance. Swiss military men are of opinion that the Germans are quite likely to attack at the three points simultaneously.