SHARP FIGHTING IN THE WEST

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2692, 11 February 1916, Page 5

SHARP FIGHTING IN THE WEST

GERMANS SPRING TOO BIG MINES FIERCE STRUGGLE FOR POSSESSION OF GROUND The High Commissioner reports: ■ . ... • ~ ~ , London, February 9, 4.50 p.m Artillery fighting is active along the Artoia. front tfrom Hill 140' to the , ISeuville-La Folie road, \esterday afternoon the Germans, by exploding two heavily charged mines west of La Folie, were enabled to penetrate portfons 6f the French firing trenches which had'been overthrown by the explosion and also certain points m the supporting trenche.3. They were expelled b Serenade attack in course of the night. The combat continues." , , J , - . , London, February 10, 1.5 a.m. - i,n 0 4? ta S° n V n i les , g ™ eral on th o Western front. South-west of Hill 140 the enemy attacked, but "were repulsed. Between Soissons and- Reims the enemy was forced to a small post. A GAIN TO THE ENEMY (Rec. February 10, 11.15 p.m.) By Telegraph-Press 1 Association-Copyright ~, _ . „ London, February 10. lr . Significance of the German gain at La Folie is their proximity to the Vimy heights, which dominate the plain to Lens, one of the nnattained objects of the French offensive ui September. There has been practically continuous fighting for three weeks, the Germans taking the offensive usually by means of extensive and heavily-charged mines in front of the French lines, the explosions being followed by a fierce struggle for the craters. The Germans are 4is able to straighten out their front at several points, though' the cost has heen heavy. ® e ™ an cr .' ticß cla . im tllat the advance on the Arras-Lens road near Neuville St. Vaast is most important, the shotening of the line—hitherto bow-shaped —affording a better defensive position in the case of an Allied offensive. THE RECENT ATTACK ON FRISE ENEMY'S LOSSES WORSE THAN AT LOOS. 1 . London, February 9. Reliable information has reached diplomatic circles that the number of German wounded 1 transported through Belgium after the recent attack on Frise was greater than that at Loos. The "Observer" states, in connection with the reported imposing movement of troops towards the Western front, that although it is desired to create such an impression, these movements are by no means as important as those earlier in the war. What is taking place is the constant, shifting of units alone the Western front. GERMAN OVERTURES TO BELGIUM OFFER FLATLY REJECTED'. , Rome, February 9. The "Giornale d'ltalia" says that Germany recently proposed a separata peace with Belgium, based on restoration as before the war, King Albert's return to the throne, an indemnity by Germany for damages, a treaty of commerce ostensibly favourable to Belgium, but in reality favourable to Germany, inasmuch as Antwerp and Ostend would become German ports. King Albert and his Government rejected the proposal, declaring that negotiations were impossible without the consent o.f the Allies or before Germany was conquered. One of the chief intermediaries was the Germanophile Monsignor Porcelli, Papal Nuncio at Havre. v ENEMY PREPARING FOR SOMETHING GREAT ACTIVITY ON LAND AND SEA. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Roc. February 11, 5.5 p.m.') London, February 10. Dutch correspondents report great activity at Kiel. The Marines who have been garrisoning Belgium have been withdrawn, and numorous sailors are arriving and recommencing naval work. Petrograd telegraphs the news of yet another threat. Imprisoned German officers state that an important strengthening of the Riga and Dvinn armies is expected in preparation fur a hugo offensive in March. Leave has been 6usPen< Tho Arohduka Chnrka, Chief of tl»j Austrian Navy, has arrived iu Jiei'ljil ] to discuss with >dmina «'•« d naval action.