GERMANS WITHDRAW FROM SEVERAL TILLAGES

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 283, 19 August 1918, Page 5

GERMANS WITHDRAW FROM SEVERAL TILLAGES

■'HUN FIENDS 'CRUELTIES TO BRITISH ' . '-. PRISONERS ' ' 'An-account is given to-day, of sliasfclj- atrocities committed by the Germans during their advance in March. Sworn statements establish the fact that numbers of British prisoners, many of them wounded men, were deliberately tortured and murdered with flame projectors. On the West front the Allies have been successful'in a number of local actions, end have ■ . intensified the difficulties under which the enemy is labouring in his efforts to establish a defensive line. The French now hold -the greater part .of the Lassigny massif, but a report that they have mastered it completely . is not borno out by the official communiques. A correspondent gives an interesting account of recent operations in which the New Zealand Division has been engaged. It is reported that Austria has agreed to send troops to the Western theatre on condition that Germany makes, "a fresh and inore modest peace offer," and also concedes certain Austrian demands in Regard to Poland. .Home rule proposals have been mooted in Austria, but detaib are as yet withheld. American, troops to the number of 1,400,000 have now reached Europe, and Mr. Secretary Baker announces . that his -Department has adjusted its programme so that the rapid shipment of troops made- possible by the action of the British Government in placing a large amount of shipping at America's disposal may continue.