ALLIES' COUNCIL OF WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 119, 6 February 1918, Page 5

ALLIES' COUNCIL OF WAR

SPLENDID RESULTS FRENCH PREMIER HIGHLY DELIGHTED MILITARY COMMANDERS SATISFIED ' Paris, February 4. M. Clemenceau, commenting 011 the Allied Conference, said it had worked and argued for four days. "The last day -was decisive," said the Premier. "1 ivas delighted with the results, which surpass my hopes. A complete understanding lias bcon reached, even 011 the most delicate points." The "Echo de Paris" says that General Petain and Sir Douglas Haig return to their headquarters knowing that full accord has been established for energetic prosecution of the Avar. A clcar understanding has been come to as regards Avliat is necessary to meet the great German attacks which have been heralded. The "Matin" states that a definite nrlvancc has been made towards moral and material cohesion. Important decisions have been taken, tending to extend the fighting strength of the ar-mies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THE DISASTER AT HALIFAX

FIXING THE BLAME CAPTAIN AND PILOT ARRESTED Halifax, February 4. Tliu Government Commission which investigated the disaster at Halifax holds that Pilot Mackay and Captain Lamodic, of the munition steamer Mont Blanc, wero responsible for the explosion on that vessel. It was conclusively shown that the Mont Blanc violated the. "rulo of the road." Captain Lamodic and Pilot Mackay have been arrested. The Commission has cancelled the licences of both Captain Lamodic and Pilot Mackay. It also censured the harbour authorities for allowing Mackay to contimio liis pilotage work after the disaster. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. [Tlio explosion which wrecked a largo portion of Halifax, Nova Scotia, including the railway terminals and a great pait of tho post equipment, ou December G, resulted from tile collision of the munition-loaded steamer Mont lilanc, which was leaving port, and the Belgian relief steamer lino. Tlio Mont Blanc was set 011 fire by iho collision, and many of those 011 board, being unable to put out tho fire, were able to escape before the explosives were ignited. The 'Imo was beached. It was suggested in some quarters that the Imo had been deliberately steered so as to cause the collision, but this was offset by the fact that she made 110 attempt to get away from tho explosion. The accident happened jn a narrow fairway, and the port authorities have been critic : sed for permitting a vessel so dangerous to herself and her (surroundings as the Mont Blanc was to novo without the most drastic precautions.!

SPANISH NOTE TO GERMANY

A PEREMPTORY DEMAND. Madrid, February 4. Tlio Note to Germany in connection with the torpedoing of tlio Giralda was dispatched on Sunday. It demands an immediate answer. It is understood that in addition to reparation tho Noto insists on the immunity of. Spanish vessels trading between Spanish ports. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FOOD-HOARDING M.P. FINED

INCIDENT IN ENGLAND. (Rcc. February 5, 8.20 p.m.) London, February 4. Mr. AV. J. M. Mac Caw, M.P., was charged with food-hoarding. His supplies included 164 pounds of rice, 1001b. of biscuits, 1021b. of sugar at his country house, and 1001b. of rico and 1321b. of tapioca and other goods at his town house in Eaton Square. Ho was fined £400—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

A LIE DISPOSED OF

GERMANS ASSERT LOSS OF BRITISH WARSHIPS. (Rcc. February 6, 0.35 a.m.) London, February 4. The Admiralty denies a German wireless report that a largo English warship, accompanied by torpedo-boat chascrs, was mined and sunk in the I'irth of Forfcn. "There is no incident upon which that statement could bo based," states tlio report—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

MISSING STEAMER ARRIVES

THE THREATENED STORM OFF NEW SOtJTH WALES COAST. Sydney, February 5. Tho steamer Marjorie, which left Adelaido on January 26 for Newcastle, has arrived, having been delayed by bad weather. A groat storm was reported to be developing off the South Coast, but it passed without doing damage. Shipping reported terrific weather.—Press Assn. FLOOD RELIEF GRANT IN QUEENSLAND. Brisbane, February 5. The State Government has increased its flood relief grant to £10,000. — Press Assn.