RUSSIAN ARMY CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3145, 25 July 1917, Page 5

RUSSIAN ARMY CRISIS

DRASTIC MEASURES TO STOP THE "ROT" GERMANS TAKE TARNOPOL TIE AISNE BATTLE FRENCH BRAVELY HOLDING ON Tarnopol has fallen, and on tho authority of the "Daily Chronicle" its fall may place the Russian armies south of tho Sereth and tho Rumanian armies in an isolated situation rrom tho northern lino and comfeunica- ' tions. Tho crisis at Petrograd is, ill the main, 110 better. Tho most hopeful feature ahout the present situation is the awakening of tho AVork- ' mens and Soldiers' Council to tho realities and necessities of the hour. In a stirring proclamation, the Council beseoches the Army to avert the ruin of the Revolution, which means the ruin of all. The Provisional Government has been endowed with most drastic powers for mercilessly quelling the ! disorderly element, which is paralysing tho initiative of tho military commanders. Still the "rot" in the armies of the south-west front continues, as is pathetically revealed in a frank statement by the Government. As evidence of the disheartening conditions with which the commanders have to deal, is an official report that the weakened morale of certain troops and their disregard of orders has made it difficult, if not impossible, for a signal caup on the Vilna front, where the enemy's lino has been broken to a depth of two miles, to bo developed' and taken tho fullest advantage of. In the West, the main point of interest is still the great battle which is being contested on the French front on the Aisne. The real objective of these persistent and terrific assaults by the Germans is obscure, states one correspondent, who offers the theory that it is more or less a gallery play to forco a peace issue before tho arrival of ' tlio Americans.

REPORTED FALL OF TARNOPOL

RUSSIAN MILITARY CRISIS ACUTE MOST OF THE UNITS DISORGANISED. (Bj Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright). Vancouver, July 23. A inessago from London state that it is reported that tho Germans ha.ro captured Tarnopol.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. i (Rec. July 2i, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 23. The Germans havo occupied Tarnopol—Eeuter. WHAT THE LOSS OF TARNOPOL MEANS RUSSIAN SOUTHERN ARMIES AND RUMANIANS CUT OFF. (Rec. July 21, 7.10 p.m.) London, July 23. The "Daily Chronicle" state that the Germans have taken Tarnopol, which lies on the pathway to Kieff, tho capital of the Ukraine, the occupation of vhicli will cut off the Rumanian and- Russianarmies south of tho Dniester.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. STROKE THAT MIGHT HAVE MEANT GREAT THINGS A RUSSIAN SUCCESS JEOPARDISED BY MALCONTENTS. (Rec. July 24, 7.10 p.m.) \ London, July 23. A Russian official report states"We attacked in the direction of Vjlna, penetrating to a depth of two miles in some place 3 in tho neighbourhood of Krevo, and taking oTer a thousand prisoners. The instability of morale and weakness of ceftain detachments is jeopardising the development of our further success. The enemy continues his offensive betweenthe Sereth, StQ-pa, and tho Zlota Lipa, and has occupied four villages. There is intense enemy artillery activity southward of Cerezoveca and \ elka."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutcr. APPALLING ACCOUNT OF THE MILITARY SITUATION OFFICIAL-REPORT FRANKLY STATES THE FACTS. (Rec. July 21, 5.5 p.m.) London, July 23. An appalling official account of the situation on the south-western front has .been received from the Russian Government. The report says: "A fatal crisis has occurred in the morale of the trcops. Most of the units are completely disorganised, and the offensive spirit has utterly disappeared. Orders are unheeded, and the exhortations of oomrades are replied to by threats and sLots. The same elements voluntarily evacuate 'their positionts, not waiting for ib°, approach of the enemy. Sometines urgent orders for reinforcements are discussed for hours. For a distance ot overso miles long files of robust and shameless deserters aro proceeding to the rear. Frequently entire units desert. Extreme measures are necessary in order to avert a oatastrophe. The Commander-in-Chief on the western front has ordered that deserters 6hall be fired on. There must be merciless action against the cowards who aro selling the Russian Revolution."—Reuter. "SAVE THE FATHERLAND!" ■STIRRING PROCLAMATION BY THE SOLDIERS AND WORKMEN'S COUNCIL. (Rec. July 24, 11.20 p.m.) , London, July 23. A wireless message from PetrogTad states:—"The Workmen, and Soldiers' Council- has issued a stirring proclamation, urging the soldiers to stand firm, adding: "The time has come for acting without hesitation. Wo have acknowledged the Provisional Government, with whom lies the salvation of tho Revolution, we have acknowledged its unlimited authority and power. Those disobeying the Government's commands will bo regarded as, traitors, and treated mercilessly." The proclamation concludes: "The rain of the Revolution spells ruin for all. Save tho Fatherland!"—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT (Rec. July 21, 7.10 p.m.) London, July 23. A German official report states: "A Russian attack south-west of Dvinsk' failed. A Russian attack at Krevo penetrated our position, but our counterattack drove out the enemy, except at two points. Our counter-attack southward of the Sereth has developed. The Russians have retreated into the Carpathians. Wo have occupied the heights immediately westward of Tarnopol, cros c cd the Rohatyn-Ostnow railway, and begun a forward movement astride the Dniester. The Russians strongly resisted southward of tho railway. Russian activity has increased abng the lidge of tho Carpathians as far as Putna. A lively tiro on the Lower Sereth indicates impending battles."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6Sn.-lleuter. PEOPLE'S REPRESENTATIVES REALISE THE DANGER DRASTfO POWERS CONFERRED ON THE GOVERNMENT. (Rec. July 21, 5.5 p.m.) Petrograd, July 23. The Soldiers' and Workmeu's and the Peasants' Councils held an all-night sitting, and resolved that the country was threatened with a military debacle and internal anarchy; the resolution declared that the State and the Revolution wero in danger, and' proclaimed the Government to bo a Government of tho safoty of tho Revolution, according it unlimited power to re-establish the organisation of the Army and public order.—Router. ABSOLUTE DISCIPLINARY POWERS GRANTED FATAL CRISIS IN MORALE OF THE TROOPS. London, July 23. Tho United Press Agency's representative at Petrograd 6tates that the ■Workmen's and Soldiers' Congress has passed a resolution granting tho Provisional Government unlimited power to re-establish discipline in the Army. The correspondent adds; "The Government Kjcecutive Committee in the southwest (Galicia) reports that most of tho units of the Russian Army there are completely di.soi'ganisrd. Mutinous soldiers threaten lo shoot thoso opposing them. There are long linos of deserters. . A fatal crisis has occurred in tho morale of tho troops, and the olfen sivo spirit has utterly disappeared."— Au3.-N.Zi Cable Assn.

PROVINCES SUPPORT KERENSKI. (Hoc. July 21, 10.30 p.m.) Petrograd, July 23. LI. lvcrenski has received from eighteen provinces numerous addresses expressing confidence in him, and_ favouring strong measures against the Lenin has placed himself at the Govern ment'a disposal in connection with tho Commission, of Inquiry.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. CORRESPONDENT PAINTS A GLOOMY PICTURE POPULAR DEMAND FOR STRONG GOVERNMENT. (Rec. July 24, 11.20 p.m.) London, July 53. The "Daily Chronicle" correspondent at Petrograd states that M. Tereskehenkon has been appointed Minister for Foreign Affairs; M. Tchernolf, Minister for A"ricultnre- and 11. Kkobelelf, Minister for Labour. 'Hie effort to return a balance between tho Socialists and the non-Socialists lias failed. All the latter have refused office. The Government everywhere is regarded as unsatisfactory, and a strong National Government is demanded. M. Nekrasotf has now refused office, fearing JI. Torestelli's agrarian programmo for land nationalisation. "Sporadic firing continues, and the populaco remain angry. A crowd ceught two Leninites firing a machine-gun from the house-tops, and toro them to pieces. The first machine-gun regiment marched sullonly to the Palace Square to-day, and gave up its arms, and asked for morcy. It will l>e disbanded. Tho Cossacks are the heroes of tho day. During tho disturbances they were sent out without rifles, and attacked the rebels with swords. Only twenty out of a hundred Cossacks returned. -Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. GERMAN MONEY AT WORK (Rec. July 21, 10.30 p.m.) London, July i 3. The United Press correspondent at Petrograd states that full evidence has been collected that the Germans financed tho rccont revolution. Hundreds of workmen and anarchists have -been arrested with their pockets bulging with money which they received from German agents. M. Kcrenski emerges from tho crisis stronger than ever. Every ship in the fleet has pledged loyalty to him. DISBANDED REGIMENTS (Rec. July 21, 7.10 p.m.) Petrograd, July 23. Following upon tho example of tho machine-gun regiments, other regiments havo readily handed over their arms, but they n,re very depressed at their disbandment. M. Ivosiovsky has neen charged with acting as intermediary between German agents at Stockholm and Petrograd. News from tho provinces is good. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE GERMAN ATTACK ON THE AISNE

FRENCH STILL HOLD THE PLATEAU ENEMY REPULSED IN NIGHT BATTLE London, July 53. A French official communique state: "German attucks, accompanied by violent bombardments, continued last night from the plateau before (Jruanne to the Casemates. Extremely violout attempts succeeded in penetrating our first line, but an immediate vigorous counter-attack ejected him from all but a small portion. The strugglo on tho California Plateau only ended late at night. Despite all his efforts the enemy v.as unablo to drive u& oil the plateau.—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. July 2-I', 11.11 p.m.) London, July 24. A French official commun.iquo states:—"The bombardmont of our positions in tho Hurtebiso and Craonno region continues violently, especiully at the California Plateau, wkero there has also been infantry lighting. Eight hundred and fifty shells were thrown into Reims to-day. 11l Chainpagno a German attack northwest of Montonillet was completely repulsed. Our batteries are active against tho onomy's organisations in the Moronvillers region. A long-range German gun tired ono hundred shells north of Nancy. There wero no casualties. Wo took reprisals by an effective firo on tho enemy's works at Chateau Salins."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Rcuter. "THE BATTLE OF THE THREE PLATEAUX" MYSTERY ABOUT THE GERMAN ATTACKS. (Ecc. July 24, 11.20 p.m.) London, July 23. The "Daily Chronicle" cu-respondent at Paris writes"The battle of the three plateaux was continued throughout yesterday, its intensity equalling the, battles of the Somme and the Misuse. A German bombardment of sis hours' duration was unprecedontly severe. Then ranio waves of Guards and storming troops, advancing with reckless dariug, and repeatedly driven back. Eventually they gained only part of the first lino trendies on the northern edge of tho California Plateau. It is difficult to understand tho enemy's offorts to regain the Chemiu-des-Damcs line. There havo been nearly forty sorious assaults 'sinco May i. Tho mystery is probably duo to the failuro of the submarines and ,an endeavour to forco peaco beforo the Americans come."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ON THE BRITISH FRONT SUCCESSFUL THRUST ON THE LENS SECTOR. London, July 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "In a successful local operation south of Ayion (Lens sector), wo reached our objective with little loss. "We raided and bombed dugouts south of Havrincourt and in tho neighbourhood of Bullecourt, and Hollobeke. AVo Topulsed raids at Lombaertzydo and south-east of Loos."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Afisn.-Eenter. (Rcc. July 24, 11.20 p.m.) London, July 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports -.-"This morning a raid southward of Avion penetrated the enemy's positions on a front of sis hundred yards and u depth of three hundred yards. Wo inflicted heavy casualties and much damage. Wo successfully raided a strongly-held farm eastward of Oosttaverne, and repulsed an attack by tho cneWiy north-westward of Cherisy. Aerial fighting went on all day yesterday. Visibility was excellent, and our aeroplanes successfully co-operated with tho artillery. ;Wo dropped three tons of bombs on the enemy's aerodromes, ammunition dumps, and railway sidings with good results. We brought down fourteen of the enemy's mnchines, including a raider from England. Nino of ours are missing."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.Beuter. ! GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT (Rec. July 24, 7.10 p.m.) A German official report slates :-"An artillery battle nfghf in rianders. The enemy s air squadrons unsuccessfully attacked our balloons. Wo brought down eight aeroplanes. The enemy vigorously attacked between Avion and Mencourt, but we equalised tlis cnomy's success. We attacked tl/j northern slope of Winterberg and carried several* lines of trendies on alront of one kilometere (three-fifths of a mile).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. WHERE WILL HAIG STRIKE NEXT? ENEMY SUFFERING SEVERELY FROM SHELL-FIRE. -ni-i- r<'i i .i London, July 23. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: 'Since tho German thrust at Lombaertzvde on July 10, there have been no important actions on the British front, but many raids and minor activities. The si-elling sometimes is of great violence about Lens and Tpres and close to the coast. The enemy is suffering great wastage of meD. A single division which went to Lens has been burying "eighty Germans daily for several weeks. The drain of blood flows in a steady stream fiom the Gorman lines. Tho Germans retaliate by shelling Wytscha'cte ilessine= Armentieres, and Loos, but the bombardment doets not reveal any definite purpose. The enemy at night pours out gas shells. Wo retaliate with gas clouds, which creep to the German craters and trenches, and kill any man who takes a breath of them. The t-nomy put over a particularly ferocious bombardment 'to-day, between Lombaertzyde and Nieuport, using many gas shells. It is apparently doubtful when the next blow will fall, and they are trying to do as much damage as possible before it happens, when tho heavy guns must get back in a hurry, as they did at Wytschaeto and Messines."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. " THE BRITISH SET-BACK AT LOMBAERTZYDE GERMAN MILITARY OPINION ON THE EVENT. London, July 23. Discussing the dunes battle, General von Ardenne writes in the "Tageblatt" that tho English meant to make Nieuport the starting-point of an advance upon Ostend and Zeebrngge, which are tile bases for tho submarines and a thorn in their flesh. The loss of the bridges rn_ tho Yser spoiled the plan for the next great attack. They irtended that their left wing, under shelter of the fleet, should envelop (lie Gorman right. General von Ardenne f< iccasts that the British will proceed v itli their plans, in spito of the partial failure, remarking that the tremendous artillery activity and other signs indicate a great English attack shortly.—Tho "Times." ENEMY INCREASINGLY ACTIVE ON ALL FRONTS / VON HINDENBURG TRYING TO IMPRESS HIS PUBLIC. v . Paris, July 23. 'Hie "Matin" says that it cannot be denied that there is a great recrudescence of enemy activity against Russia, and also a multiplicity of attacks on tho West front, extending to the.whole of 'tho St. Mihiel region, as well as enterprises of lesser importance on" the heights of tho Mouse and in Upper Alssce. Hie enemy is striving to regain a number of observation points. The "Matin" regards the renewed activity as the outcome of von Himlenburg's desire to impress the political parties of Germany that the military situation is good.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.