BLOW IN THE BALKANS

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 309, 18 September 1918, Page 5

BLOW IN THE BALKANS

FRANCO-SERBIAN OFFENSIVE LAUNCHED

BIG DEVELOPMENTS EXPECTED

(Rec. September 17, 7.25 p.m.) Washington, September 16. A Franco-Serbian offensive has been launched on the Salonika front against the Bulgars. Important positions have been captured.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT (Rec. September 18, 1.55 a.m.) London, September 17. A French official Eastern communique states: "After violent artillery preparation the Franco-Serbian forces attacked the enemy's works in the mountainous zone of Dobropolje. The entire first line of tho Bulgarian positions was brilliantly carried on a front of seven miles, despite the difficulties of the ground. Maiiy prisoners were taken and important booty captured. 'Ihe operations are developing favourably. Anglo-Serbian airmen effectively tupported tho infantry and bombed" the enemy's communications."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. , STATEMENT BY MR, BALFOUR. (Rec. September 18, 1.35 a.m.) London, September 16. Mr. A. J. Balfour (British Foreign Minister), speaking at a. Greek dinner at the Carlton, referring to the Salonika, offensive, stated that the first and second line, many trenches, and also various important hills had been carried. This was only, the prelude to greater successes in which the AngloGreek troops would take an equal and glorious part. —Renter. greek~maFpower (Rec. September 18, 1.35' a.m.) London, September 16. In the course of an interview, M. Michala Copoulos, Greek Minister for Agriculture, said that Greece had 200,000 soldiers under arms, and could raise an additional 100,000, but was handicapped owing to the lack of shipping. They were immediately commencing to build shipyards. Ho was convinced that tho Salonika front was far more important than was generally realised. There would soon bo big developments there—Reutcr.