NEXT MOVE IN RUMANIAN CAMPAIGN

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2950, 9 December 1916, Page 9

NEXT MOVE IN RUMANIAN CAMPAIGN

4 THE NEW LINE OF DEFENCE / ;; SHARP BATTLE IN THE BALKANS , ' London, December 7. It is believed that the Rumanian retreat from Wallachia was duo to the transport of Russians from Moldavia t 0 Wallachia being impossible owing to the congestion on the Bucharest-Jassy railway in consequence of the evacuation of Bucharest. It-is understood that successive Rumanian lines of / defence have been prepared between Buzou and the Jalomitsa River. The Russians are attacking more vigorously in Moldavia. Tliev captured the enemy's first line ton miles from Gyimes Pass.—Renter. Reports from Paris states that the Rumanian army at Bucliarest es-. caped intact.—"Tho Times." ' RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE IN DOBIIUDJA CEASES. London, December 7. The Russians have ceased the offensive in the Dobrudja, and are deeply entrenching.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , THE FALL : OF BUCHAREST-AND AFTER (Rec. December 8, 9.30 p.m.) Rome, December 7. Reports from l'etrograd state that the abandonment of Bucharest was delayed as long as possible in order to save the artillery, supplies, proviand munitions. The Rumanian army is still considered to be intact, and is retiring to pre-arranged positions, where tho Russians are concen-trating.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMANY WEAKER THAN BEFORE THE INVASION (Rec. December S, 11.45 p.m.) Vancouver, December .7. The "New York Tribune's" special war_ correspondent, describing the fall of Bucharest, says:—"Germany is weaker in military strength than she was before tho invasion of Rumania, but her food problem is less acute. There will be no peace before a probably longer."—Reuter. GERMAN ENTRY INTO THE CAPITAL--ACCORDING TO BERLIN (Rec. December S, 9.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, December 7. A semi-official message from Berlin, describing the fall of Bucharest, states:— "General von Mackensen sent a parlcmentaire forward'on Tuesday afternoon, to domand the surrender of the fortress within twenty-four hours, otherwise lie would open fire. Tho parleiiientaire, blindfolded,-was conducted to the Commander-in-Chief, w-lio refused to accept .tho letter, on the grounds that Bucharest was in no-wise a fortress, but an open town. The parlcmentaire swept this asido as an evasion, and was returned tho following morning to the German lines. Tho account proceeds to describe the occupation of the forts on the north front, where there was some infantry re- ' sistancc, also by the Danube troops on the south front. It declares that "Our troops had an. enthusiastic welcome. _ and were .. decorated with flow- ■, ers. General von Mackenseii proceeded to tlfo Royal Castle, and was greeted with bouquets."—Reuter. BLOOD-STAINED' KAISER'S PIOUS HOPE. ' Amsterdam, December 7. The Ivaisor has telegraphed to the Empress: "Bucharest is captured. What a_ magnificent. success. 'We are on the way to complete victory, which will bo gained, by God's grace."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Reo. December S, 5.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, December 7. There is jubilation throughout Austria and Germany. The Kaiser has telegraphed his congratulations to*von Mackensen.—Aus -N.Z. Cable Assn. ANARCHY .AND PANIC IN THE GERMAN .WAKE. (Rec. December 8, 10 p.m.) « V New York, December 7. A United Press correspondent thus describes .the anarchy and panic which are'following the German advance into Rumania: "Murder and pillage of every kind, lawlessness .by roving gypsies, pitiful scenes, desolated houses. The German army marches indifferently through the devastated areas,' making no attempt to stop the disorders or relieve the misery."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WINTER CAMPAIGNING IN THE BALKANS SERBIANS INCESSANTLY ATTACKING. London, December 7. The "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent at Salonika says:—"Pursuing their advantage north of Gruuista, the Serbians have crossed the River Grazeshnitza.. Though tho weather has been most unfavourable, the Serbians have not ceased active operations for a single, day. After attacks extending over six days, and nights, a Hnal desperate assault carried a whole, series.of strongly-fortified heights, the Bnlgars and Germans flying in disorder, leaving seven guns and many prisoners. The guns captured to date total 79."

Mr. Ward Price says:—"We must remember that the Allies in .the Balkans are holding- a- front 250 miles long, and ono more difficult than any other theatre, of war. The Allied offensive is being carried out with .forccß much inferior'to those of the enemy." HEAVY COUNTER-ATTACKS ON THE SERBIANS (Rec. December 8, 10 p.m.) ; . Paris, December 7. A French official communique states:—"The enemy is the positions round Monastir. Fresh counter-attacks on tho Serbian positions on the northern slopes of Sokol succeeded in carrying a portion of the re-cently-captured heights. South of Seres the British cleared a Turkish 'trench and brought back prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router. A BLOCKADE OF GREECE PROMPT MEASURES • IMPERATIVE ' : Paris, December 7. It is officially announced that" a blocjcade of Greece will begin to-morrow. —Reuter. "(Rec. December B,' 10.15 p.m.) London, December- 8. ' - • The Allied Governments have decided to blockade Greece until given reparation for the outrages against the Allies and Venizelists at Athens. — _ Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. - A NEWSPAPER WARNING.' • ■ London, December .7. - Thev.'Times;" in a leader, urging the need for promptly dealing with the Greek danger, • says:— ? 'Thp disappearance of von Falkenhayn's name from the' German, official reports is sinisterly significant. Tho Serbian railway Bystem is : at his disposal, and it is not difficult to perceive where he will next emerge; - The Allies operating from Salonika- are holding an extended and possibly, valuable/front. Our military intelligence appears to be faulty. .We "have been told that .tlio Greek Array was inefficient and badly equipped. It "is now revealed as sufficiently" numerous . and formidable to, exercise a serious influence on the position in Macedonia." _ . An Athens report states' that during the absence "of Captain MacKenzie, Head of the British Intelligence Department, his house was • sacked- aud manuscripts and other articles', stolen. —"The. Times."-., , . DASTARDLY ATTACK ON AGED MAYOR OF ATHENS • • . ' - ' London, December .7. There is information of a dastardly attack on the septuagenarian Mayor of Athens. His house was fired on from the residence of Prince Yegsilanti, Master of the King's Horse. The Princess, who is a Hungarian, was seen encouraging the soldiers. The house was broken into, and the soldiers spat upon the Mayor, wounding him with a bayonet, beat him with their rifle butts, partly tore out his beard, , aud dragged liim into the street. The Princess Btood at a window clapping her hands. Tho Mayor was taken off for" examination. There are shocking accounts of tho condition and treatment of General Corakas, who- is described as resembling a- corpse.—Reuter. .... ATHENS CELEBRATES THE FALL OF BUCHAREST (Rcc. December 8, 9.30 p.m.) Rome, December 7. Athens was decorated with flags on the news of the "fall, of Bucharest.' All the French and English residents have quitted the city.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.