PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3108, 12 June 1917, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

In so far as it has changed in tbo most recent fighting the situation in. Flanders has changed to the advantage of the British. Sir Douglas Haig reports that ground has been gained at a number of points south of Ypres. No doubt these gains were incidental to tho process of consolidating the conquered position, but there is nevertheless -every reason to believe that the partial respite at present granted to the enemy will • bo of brief duration. A number of facts support this opinion. The most important of all is that tho enemy front has been seriously weakened at a vital point, and that a further advance in tho same region would bo likely to bring marked advantages to tho attacking armies. As to tho immediate outlook it is a significant fact that the British guns were moved forward with remarkable expedition into new positions. It may be assumed that tho enemy is already exposed to a destructive bombardment in the positions he is now holding eastward of the Messines ridge and under observation from that elevation. An interesting passage in Captain Ross's dispatch reads:—". . . if the Army can hold its present gains the great battle will havo started auspiciously." The victorious attack cm the Messines ridge ranks as one of the greatest operations of the war, but evidently it is regarded by Captain Ross as only the opening move in tho migh'ty battle which is in prospect. Such an estimate of tho outlook was already reasonable on other grounds. It may be safely taken for granted that the careful and elaborate preparations extending over a year which preceded Thursday's battle were not entered into only with a view to tho capture of the Messines ridge, great and vital stronghold as it was. The extent to which the development of the Western campaign will be affected by events in Russia, is a matter of speculation, but on present Indications the Western Allies intend to develop their offensive in full vigour in spite of the extent, not yei definitely known, to which the tnlenle plans havo been deranged in other theatres.

An account by Captain Ross of tho part taken by the New Zcalanders in, the attack on -the Messines ridge will bo read with particular interest. It amply bears out all that has been said in commendation of our soldiers, and indeed Captain lloss is of opinion that their a-ehievement in this historic battle will probably rank as' the greatest feat of arms they have performed in the war. The official correspondent is able to report that tho losses of the New Zeala'ndcrs, like those of the other British troops engaged, wore- unusually light, especially considering the j great strength of the position attacked.

Important political events arc 1 exported in Spain. Tho Prieto Cabinet, has resigned, and a. brief cablegram just received states that King Alfonso, after vainly attempting to induce the Marquis Prieto to reconsider his resignation, has sont for Sbnoh Dato, the leader of the Conservative Party. Count RoMANONES, after presiding over a Liberal Ministry for nearly 18 months, resigned' in April last, declaring that in his opinion the time had como for Spain to join hands with the Entente. The Marquis Pkieto assumed office at the bead of a reconstructed Liberal Ministry, stating that while he was prepared to maintain a policy of neutrality if possible he was not for neutrality at any price. The resignation of the Prieto Government evidently means that the Spanish Liberals arc no longer willing to hold office with a policy of neutrality. In sending for Senoh Dato, who was defeated by Count Romanones nearly two years ago, King Alkonso is apparently making a definite effort to keep Spain out of the war. Presumably, however, Sfa'or Dato, if lie should accept the King's invitation, will hold office at the pleasure of the Liberals unless he secures a majority by an appeal to the court try. Indications are that tho sentiment in favour of neutrality, which was formerly dominant in Spain, has been greatly weakened by popular indignation at ruthless attacks by enemy submarines on Spanish ships and by the general results of the so-called German blockade. It. therefore, seems rather more likely that a popular verdict, if it. is sought, may bo cast For a rupture of relations with Germany than for continued neutrality.