PROGRESS OP THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 3178, 31 August 1917, Page 4

PROGRESS OP THE WAR

The splendid stand of the Rumanian Army on the Sereth did much to improve the outlook in Moldavia, and to bring the enemy to disaster in the one theatre where ho has lately attempted an offensive, but the_ danger now appears that the heroism and good generalship of the Rumanians may b n neutralised by the defection of their Russian allies. Tho Russians to-day admit a considerable loss of ground on the western part of the Moldavian front, as a result of one of their divisions retreating in disorder. At some places on this part of the front the 'battle developed with varying success, so that evidently tho demoralisation of tho Russian troops is not yet gonoral, but the situation is not one which can be regarded with confidence. Apparently the enemy has llowhero as yet reached the Trotus, which connects with the Sereth to form a continuous river-lino across Moldavia, but unless the Russiaii defence rapidly stiffens he will be enabled to pass this obstaclo and outflank tho Rumanian line furthei east. The Rumanians have given signal proofs of their own fighting quality, but the stability of their defence depends absolutely upon the loyal and effectual co-operation of tho Russians on their western flank and further north.

An Italian official report to-day shows that tho offensive is being continued in full vigour east and north-east of Gorizia, but supplies few details. Tho semi-official Cologne Gazette, however, creditstho\ Italians with a most important success. It states that they have taken part of Monte San Ga/briello, and that the Austrians are evacuating thfe hill. It seems unlikely that such a report would bo published in an enemy newspaper unless it had some foundation, but at the moment of writing it is unconfirmed by news from. Italian sources. Monte San Gabriclle stands about three miles north-east of Gorizia, arid its capture would enable the Italians to extend' their hold on the wide Vippaco Valley, running east from Gorizia, and outflank a. further rango of defences on tho .Carso Plateau. Unofficial reports indicate that the attack on the Hermada Plateau, covering tho coast route to Trieste, is being pressed with unabated vigour. Boffifearded from the west by land batteries, the plateau is at the same time being shelled in rear from the sea, where British and Italian monitors are effectively co-oporating with tho land forces. In these circumstances it must bo assumed that the Austrians are prolonging their defence of the stronghold at desperate cost.

A report by way of Switzerland that Germany has refused to respond to an Austrian appeal for reinforcements, and that she has also refused to send aeroplanes to the assistance of her hard-pressed ally, must be taken for what it is worth, but it emphasises the effect of the Italian offensive on the general trend of the war. If Austria is not yet in desperate need of German reinforoements she is within measurablo distaneo of, reaching that condition'. is illplaced to reinforce Austria._ _ At the same timo her own position is imperilled by Austria's continuing disasters. Short of an utter collapse of the Russian armies this dilemma may assume an exceedingly formidable aspect in the not very distant future.

Whatever the underlying motive may be/ Germany's submission to Argentina in the matter of submarine piraoy is an event to command attention. As an act of repentance it comes somewhat late in the day. By her piratical methods at sea, Germany has not only brought the United States into the war, but has already done a. great deal to destroy her former standing in Central and South America. As matters stand three Latin Republics, Brazil, Panama, and Bolivia, are at war with Germany. Three others, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Guatemala, have severed relations, and Chile, Uruguay and Argentina have declared their benevolent neutrality towards the United States. It is difficult to believe that Germany, at the domand of a single Latin Republic, will voluntari'y modify in any material degree the ruthless sea campaign in which sho has persisted at such heavy cost. As it is framed, the Note to Argentina makes remarkable concessions, but it safe to assume that Gormany will observe these promises no more faithfully than she did the promises formerly made to the United States. The most plausible explanation of Tier attitude is that_ she hopes to complicate the relations of the Argentine Republic with the Allies, but as matters are shaping theso hopes rest upon a somewhat slender foundation.