UGLY RUMOURS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2971, 8 January 1917, Page 7

UGLY RUMOURS

GREECE AND THE ALLIES WAR ON ENTENTE SAID TO BE PROBABLE . FIGHTING IN RUMANIA ■ BIG ALL-DAY BATTLE AT BRAILA ■■ POLITICS IN AUSTRIA FOREIGN OFFICE OFFICIALS . : • DISMISSED MTENTE'S REPLY TO WILSON'S ■:-■.;: '■:, : NOTE •Ae intense straggle is in progress in Rumania, where th 6 enemy ' has noil? closed in upon some sections of the Sereth line. The river : port of Braila has fallen into his hands, and he has apparently completed his conquest of the Dobrudja.' Kghting is reported on portions ' of the main Eastern front, notably a successful Russian attack in the ' Baltic Provinces. Some of fo-day's messages declare that Greece is . on. the point of declaring war on the Entente. The Government Presses furiously denouncing the Allied demands, and a reign of terror exists in Athens,--where the reservists, an armed mob, are persecuting other sections of the population. The Allied blockade, however, is making itself felt.' In tho x Sinai Peninsula a. British hroad- • gauge railway has now been carried as far east as El Arish, ninety miles from the Suez Canal. An important conference of Entente representatives, including the French and British Prime Ministers, hns assembled in Eome. . • .

HEAVY FIGHTING IN RUMANIA

ENEMY PROGRESSES / BRAILA CAPTURED AND GALATZ BEING BOMBARDED (ByTelesrapli-PrcsE ABSOciatien-Copyrieiil .;. • (Rec, January 6, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 5. Wireless German- official: The Germano-Bulgars have captured Braila, and adds, "Dobrudja is now cleared of the enemy." . Wireless Austrian official: The enemy was driven out ef a few hill positions north and westward of Odpbesei. Wo progressed in the neighbourhood of Boveja and Harja.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. | ■'~ (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) • London, January 6. Wireless German official: The Russians attacked and penetrated our positions in the regions between the coast a t Mitau and the Riga high road, wo counter-attacking. ... We defeated and drove back the Russian battalions north-cast oE Kirlib&ba. _ General MacEensen stormed a strong position from Tartaru to Rimnicens, captured Tillages, and advanced.towards the Sereth. Further south-east ire captured Olaneastra, Znlianca, and Maxineri. Our advance guards are reaching ihe Sereth. In the Dobrudja, Galatz is being bombarded. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable A'ssn.-Reuter. , / STUBBORN ALL-DAY BATTLE . AT BRAILA (Eec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) . London, January 5. Wireless Russian official: We bayoneted many Austrians and took prisoner the remainder of a reconnoitring party northward of Zolotvin. We repulsed five strong enemy attacks on the heights southward of the Ohebonicaa River, and repelled three attacks northwards of the Oitoz River. Three divisions, supported by thirty batteries, attacked and pressed us back southward of the mouth of the Buzcu. ' • The enemy launched fierce attacks on Vokorom, eastward of Braila. Inere was a stubborn battle all day, with great enemy losses. The enemy in the | oveniig compelled us to withdraw to. the other bank of the Danube.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. I RUMANIANS PRESSED BACK AT SEVERAL POINTS. (Rec. January 7, 11.15 p.m.) • London, January 6. ■ A; wireless Russian official message states: We attacked and occupied a. position wuth-eaßfc of Kalntzen, south-Vest of Riga. The enemy compelled us to withdraw for two' versts southwards of Kotumba. Wβ occupied a height southward of the Oitnz River. , Superior enemy forces pressed back the Rumanians' at several points.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable A"ssn. MOST OF THE BRAILA FACTORIES DESTROYED BY THE RUS(Rec. January 7, 11.30 p.m.) London, January 7. Wireless German Official.—The Russians destroyed most of tho factories before abandoning Braila. . . Wireless Austrian Official—The Austro-Hungariaus and Germans captured several hills near Mount Faltucanu. ~._...,, .. „ „ „,, Wo repolled a strong advance north-east of Kirhbaba.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn-Reuter. MOUNTAIN FIGHTING IN TRANSYLVANIA. London, January 5. A 1 wireless German official report states: Russian advances in tho Dorna Vatra region failed, with heavy losses. Tho Austro-Germaus, in mountain fighting between the eastorn frontier on Transylvania and the lowlands of the Sereth Valley, gained important territory, and took several hundred prisoners. The Germans stormed and captured Slobizia, and RotesLi, in tho region of Rimnicu Sarafc. - ' . The Austro-Germans pierced the Russian bndgehcad at Braila, and captirred Gurgeuti and Romnaul, after violent liouse-to-houso fighting. "We took 1400 prisoners.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. RAPIDLY REPAIRING THE RUMANIAN OIL WELLS. CReo. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January li. The Germans claim to be rapidly repairing tho Rumanian oil wolls, and expect work to be resumed in a few woeks. In the meantime the captured stocks of oil are sufficient for preßenfc needs. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Router. ITALIAN CAMPAIGN ] LATEST GERMAN RUSE TO OBTAIN FOOD NIGHT ATTACK REPULSED. London, January 5. (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) An Italian official report states: Wo ■- Zurich, January 5. repulsed a violent night attack be- The latest German ruso to secure tween tho River Adige and LakeGarda, food is the advertising extensively in compelling the enemy to retire in dis- Swiss papers that Swiss subjects in order with heavy losses. ' Germany are allowed to rcceivo an 11.1b. We'advanced 200 yards by a sudden parcel of food weekly, for which. Gerand BQCoessfnl attack, and established man mistresses pay Swiss servants sew .Eoeitiongi— AUS.-N.Z. Cabls Aesh. handsomely..—Eeuler.

GREECE WILL SHORTLY DECLARE WAR ON THE ALLIES

RESERVISTS BEING ENROLLED GREEK GOVERNMENT MEDITATING A DESPERATE STROKE Q&ec.. January 7, 6.5 p.m.) London, January 6. Tiie "Moraine Post's" Athens correspondent says, judging by tho tono of tho local Press, Greece will shortly declare war. Tho entiro Press, which, is exclusively pro-Govornmenfc, under the King s order, declares passionately that the situation is intolerable. Greece is indisposed to allow herself to ho forced l>y hunger into a meek acquiescence with tho Allies' arbitrary wishes. , ~ . . , . „ - . The Government is apparently rnedjtatinK a dosporato stroke. hesorvist/S are heing seoretly enrolled and notifiod to remain, in readiness. Measuroß 'regarding artillery, stores, and munitions are being extensively taken.— Aus.-KZ. Cable Assu. RESEEVISTS BLOW UPi A RAILWAY. BBIDGE. London, January 5. The'"Daily Tclejiraph's" correspondent at. Piraeus states that tho Reservists have blown up the railway bridges south of Larissa to prevent the taSPort of troops to Only 7000 men and 30 Runs were moved bef °Tho has presenteil »• Note recounting tho arrest and illtreatment of an American named Baffis, and domandinz an inquiry.—AiisN.Z. Cable Assn. FOOD SUPPLY NOT SERIOUSLY AFFECTED BY THE BLOCKADE (Kcc. January. 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 5. The "DailT Chronicle's" Athens correspondent, telegraphing from Syra, to avoid the Greek censorship, BW there has been m> abatement ofJ»W of terror The Reservists continue to arrest political opponents, and large numbers of the population are terrorised, fearing spurious denunciation. The BSstfaro Se a West by blackmail. The revival of tho ceremonial ?C£3 M. Venfeeloi ™ merely a piece of statecraft. Thepnests '* , effiaW B SSSSr ***** «. ***?**. out trad, is as offi c cassis; sk? otes sat Kifc'"impotent, The joesibility of hosWe Greek action immobhses a nortion of General Sarrail's army.-Aue.-N.Z- Cable Assn. CERTAIN CLAUSES OF ENTENTE NOTE TO BE REJECTED. Athens, January 5. The ex-Premiers who were consulted by the King unanimously deeded Eeuter. ■ ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMUNE IS POSSIBLE. lomion, January 5. . The Allieso blockade is pinchij,; Greece. of g rain, Sour, and lishment of a commune is possible—Renter. PLACING THE POPULATION ON DAILY RATIONS. (Eec. January 7, 6.5 p.m.) _ / v Athens, January 5. -The Council of Ministers has appointed a Food Dictator, and has decided to restrict the people to daily rations.—Renter. USEFULNESS OF GEEECE AS,A PAWN VANISHING. / Amsterdam, Janua.ry 5. The German Press is indignant at the. Allies , .Note to Greece, teVJiani« that the future usefulness of Greece as a pawn m Germany'sjsame is rapidly vanishing.~"The Times." . •

REPLY OF ALLIES TO AMERICA'S PEAC&3 NOTE

/'. OUTLINE OF PEACE TERMS FREEDOM OF SMALL NATIONS AND AN END OF PRUSSIAN MILITARISM . New York, January 5. The Londou correspondent of the New York "Times" cables that he learus authoritatively that the following: points may be included m the iMtente's statement of' their concrete peace terms, in the reply, to President NilSOtt: Tho relief and indemnification of Belgium, and the release of the occupied portions of Prance, with indemnification , for their occupation. The freedom of Poland, Serbia, and Montenegro. ~,-), t n f The relief of Armenia from Turkish oppression, and the establishment ol a protectorate over Armenia by Russia or a League of the .Lowers. The ending of the Ottoman Dominion in Europe. The possession of Constantinople by Russia. . In addition, the Allies are determined to overthrow Prussia* militarism. The correspondent states that a final draft has been wade, to the J\oto, which states the case adequately to America.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . RUSSIA REFUSED A SEPARATE PEACE WITH GERMANY. CRcc. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) . Washington, January 5. It is understood the Russian peace terms embraced the Allied reply. They include Constantinople, evacuation of occupied territory, and indemnification, either in land or money, for property and human losses. 1 he terms are based on the claim that Russia refused a separate peace with Germany and suffered the heaviest of the Allies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. UNITED STATES WILL BE UNABLE TO KEEP OUT OF THE WAR. Washington, January 5. In tho Senate debate, Senator Lewis, a close friend of the President, do-, clared that Dr. Wilson's Pence Note was 'intended to. no taken as indicating that the TJnited States will bo unable to keep out of the- war much longer.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WILSON NOT SENDING ANOTHER PEACE NOTE. (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) Washington, January 5. Tho State Department has authorised the statement that President Wilson is not contemplating sending an.oth.jr Peace Note. It is understood the reason for the announcement wau the apprehension by President Wilson that reports of another Note- was proparinK would affect the Entente's reply, which is expected shortly. The Senate passed a resolution airorovinpc of Wilson's request to (.no Allies to name their peace terms without endorsing the terms of the Note itself.—Router. AMERICA'S ATTITUDE ON THE SUBMARINE QUESTION Zurich, January 5. The Kaiser scavn an audience to Horr Himmermam (Gorman Foreign Secretary) at tlio Headquarters, and recoivod a report rc.cardinjr attitude on 111© submarine question, concerning which Mr. Gerard (TJnited States Ambassador to Berlin), lias communicated with llio German Government. 'Ilie fact that the Kaiser summoned Hen , Zimmerman instead of Horr BethmaniiHollwepr (tho Chancellor) is considered as a snub. Hcrr Zimmerman favours friglitfulness.—Aua.-N.'Z. Cable Assn. RESIGNATION OF THE GERMAN CHANCELLOR DEMANDED Amsterdam, January y. Krupp's organ.-tho "Ncustc Nachrichsten," demands Ilio immediate resignation of Hen- von Bolliniann-Hollß'ejr. and says that after ( tho Entente s rejection of Ws pnaco proposals ho is discredited not only in Germany as a wcaklin? but in Europe. . . . . Tho'"Arbeitor Zeifcnng" urses the instant eraoualion of the occupierl lerritery in tlio West. ifThe Entoito is willing to nogotiattt for peace aitcr-*ard"s.-Rcnler. Amsterdam, January 5. The "Neneste Narhrichlpn" bitlcrlv assails Hcrr von Bothnia rofrrrnro to "pcrnpfi of paprr" at the outbreak of the war. and the Entente s use of Uie phrase- in the recent reply, ft is signficanl that the "Deutsche oituti"" simultaneously declares that theso thrp« words were as bad as ten lost battles, and demands tliafc the Chancellor should resign. Romo of the newspapers demand tho roktrn. of Admiral ypa Tirp.itz.— Oablo Agbu,

THIS -KAISER'S ORDER. TO HIS ARMY AND NAVY. (Rec. January 7, 5.5 p.m.) London, January 6. Berlin Official.—The Kaiser, in. an order to tho Army and Navy, says: "Our fiiiemios have refused my offers of peaeo. They desire Germany's destruction. Before God and humanity I.declare tli© heavy responsibility for further terrible- sacrifices rests with our enemies, «ho do not want the understanding offered by me, but with God's help our arms shall enforco it." Hie Kai&sr added: "In, justified anger for tho enemy's presumptuous malioe, and with the desiro to defend their holiest possessions and guarantee a happy future, you will become- lileo steel." — Rcutor. PROFESSOR DELBRUCK ON GERMANY'S WAR AIMS. CRec. January 7, 5.5 a.m.) Amstordam, January 6. Professor I)elbruck, in -an article on. Germany's war aims, says a durable jK-aco is impossible if Germany draws up terras producing suspicion and_ aspires to world's hegemony. Favourable as tho military position is, a continuation of t'ho war would hardly carry us to a position where wo could dictate peace. He advocates tho annexation of Courland, with its two million German peasants; that Germany must havo tack her colonics, and compensation for damage suffered during tho blockade, and from the repudiation of tho Congo iind Niger Conventions; and Greece and other neutrals should' -also demand compensation.—Aiis.-KZt'Cable Assn. LENGTHY CONFERENCE AT GERMAN HEADQUARTERS. ■ Amsterdam, January 5. 'Jlie King of Bulgaria had a lengthy •■ conference with the Kaiser at German Headquarters on January 3. The Archduko Frederick and General Hootmidorff (Chief of the Austrian Staff) lunched with the Kaiser. The Crown Prince Boris- of Bulgaria, General von Hindenbwg, General I/udendorf, and General Jekoff (Chief of the Bulgarian Staff) wore also present. TV> Kaiser bestowed Wio Order of Merit on tho Archduke.—Beutcr. AUSTRIA-HUNGARY. DESIROUS OF ENDING THE WAR. London, January 5. Tho "Westminster GazcffpT , comments that it is becoming evident that [Austria, and Hungary sincerely.desiro to end tho war and free themselves I from the German yoke. Th'eTooE shortage is pressing with extreme severity on Austria and Hungary, and is compelling the Magyars to sido against the Austrians and Germans. . Hungary resolutely refuses ttf export grain to Austria, although Austria declares herself starving. Austria, threatens to refuse the renewal of the Ausgleich, or economic agreement, on which the Dual Monarchy rests. The suddon departure of the Kaiser from Vienna on the eve of tEe Emperor Franz Josef's funeral is now believed to have been most significant.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. ' ,