THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN THE BALTIC

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 26, 25 October 1917, Page 5

THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE IN THE BALTIC

DESTROYERS SHELLING THE MAINLAND ENEMY'S LOSSES IN RECENT NAVAL ACTIONS London, October 23. A Russian official report states:—"Enemy destroyers shelled the const six ' miles north, of Werder, and unsuccessfully attempted to land forces. Our detachments on several sectors in the Eiga region occupied first-line trenches which the enemy had abandoned." A Russian naval communique states:—"Enemy submarines havo been discovered ia the Gulf of Finland. In the recent operations at the Baltic Islands, the enemy, through mines, submarine attack, and gunfire, had two Dreadnoughts, ono cruiser, twelve torpedo-boats, a transport, and. numerous mine-sweopers put out of action, though their -ultimata fate ie unknown. We have definitely established the loss of sir enemy torpedo-boats. We lost the battleship Sluva and the large destroyer Grom. The fighting value of our other ships is unimpaired." —Aus.-N,Z. Cable Assn.-Eenter.

THE MENACE TO PETROGRAD SITUATION KEVIEWED BY LEADING OFFICERS. (Itcc. October 24, S p.m.) Petrograd, October 23. General Dukhanin, the new Russian Ohief-of-Staff, in an interview, said, thatthe Germans had landed at Werder in order to prevent an attack on the occupied islands. He did not expect serious land .operations before the spring.—Renter. General Brusiloft (ei-Coinmander-in- Chief), in an article in a Moscow newspaper, declares that there are no adequate grounds for alarm for Petrograd this autumn or winter. The enemy cannot h ave l ar ß° reserves, and mud, frost, insufficient roads, railways, and food would tsflk®. such an operation a hopeless enterprise. ' Despite the inefficiency of the Russian Army and Navy, an advance on Petrojrrad through Finland was improbable. Admiral Nemith, commander of the B lacli: bea. Fleet, is more pessimistic. Ho believes the seizure of Riga and Oeeel ar e stages in a calculated operation against Petrograd. The only thing in Russia's favour is Germany's weakness. It is almost certain that Germany will take Keval during the ■ winter.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

Stockholm, Oclober 23. The "Tidendo" says that the situation is most menacing for Petrograd. The Germans are incorporating in their Baltic Fleet their most modern ships, which are leaving Wilhelmshaven and Cuxhaven every day.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE ENEMY'S IMMEDIATE OBJECTIVES

Petrograd, October 23. Tho immediate German objectives are Verder ami Hapsal, from -which it will be comparatively easy to advance to Reval, aided by the railway and good roads.—Aus.-2f.i1,-' Cable Assn.

AN ALLIED NAVAL OFFENSIVE DISCUSSED

Stockholm, October 23. A military writer in tho "Svensta Ditgbladet" says that, in consequence of the recent German successes in tho Gulf of Riga, the question of an. attempt to force Tho Sound and the Bolts by the Entente Powers is being seriously considered. Judging by recent observations, it may bo assumed that Germany is making a special effort to deal with such nn attempt. A record number of" destroyers and submarines is now stationed at Oresund.—Aus.-N.Z'. Cable Assn.

BURNING AND PILLAGING IN. THE INTERIOR. (Rec. October 24, 8 p.m.) Petrograd, October 23. Seven hundred and fifty people perished in a fire at a distillery in, tbo town of Keteluik, in the province of Podolia, which tho soldiers and peasants are pillaging—Eeuter.