RUSSIANS TAKE MANY PRISONERS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2427, 5 April 1915, Page 5

RUSSIANS TAKE MANY PRISONERS

Serious possibilities of an extension of the war are opened up by news of an incursion by a forco of Bulgarians into Servian territory, where they attacked the frontier guards, and captured a blockhouse. In the fighting which followed there were heavy losses on * both sides. It is not yet established, however, that the Bulgarian band, which' consisted of irregulars, acted with the authority and sanction of their Government. In the Eastern theatre the Russians have captured a series of important hill positions in the Carpathians, and taken many prisoners. They report also that they are driving back the Germans, with heavy loss, through Poland, opposito the East Prussian frontier.- A very interesting review of operations in the Western theatre is supplied by .a British observer with the French forces, who indicates that the Germans are already feeling the strain of the steady pressure maintained by the Allies, and are handicapped by a lack of reinforcements and a shortage of munitions. One message states that the Germans are strengthening their line in Flanders from Ypres to Dixmude with works resembling permanent fortifications. There is an absence of news concerning operations in the Dardanelles, but several messages tell of growing confusion and demoralisation in Turkey. The Russians are pursuing their naval ..operations" in the Black Sea in a fashion which shows that tfhoy have complete command of its area. A British steamer has been ,sunk by a German submarine off Capo Finistcrre, at a distance of about twelve hundred miles from the German naval ports, but nearer home the piratical submarines appear to have been mainly engaged in the destruction of trawlers, of which several have been sunk. Germany has raised the question of the treatment of submarine crews held prisoner in England, and Sir Edward Grey has replied that, although these men are segregated from other prisoners,' they are better treated than British prisoners of equal . rank in Germany. An important- success by Union troops is reported in German- South-West Afrioa.