COMPLETE SURRENDER

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 6, 2 October 1918, Page 5

COMPLETE SURRENDER

HOSTILITIES CEASE. IN THE BALKANS

ALLIED CONTROL OF BULGARIA

HINDENBURG LINE ' SMASHED

SCHELDT BRILLIANTLY CROSSED

SPLENDID' ADVANCE IN '" : FLANDERS "'. .

. The unconditional surrender of Bulgaria and the cessation of hostilities, in the Balkans, coupled with the thrilling dispatches from the Western'front, .combine to make the best budget of good news that the public has received since the war began. The Allies are to have'complete control of and freedom of movement through Bulgaria, including the navigation of the Danube. Turkey is also 'reported to have asked for an armistice. On tho 'Western front the ■ British and' Belgian armies have advanced on a front of 25 miles to a depth of'from five to eight miles, and are .stated to' have captured Roulers, thereby severing tho communications between Lille and the Oafe'nd front. On the Cambrai' front the British, Americans, and Colonials (have' achieved by. the crossing of the Scheldt and the penetrating of the main Hindenburg line—now an "ironical memory,"says Mr. Philip_ Gibbs—a feat'of arms unparalleled in the history of tho war. It was a. supreme teßt. for the German defensive system, and tile Germans failed. Beyond lies'the open-country,, where, says •one correspondent, "anything may '*happen." The Turkish- forces on the Hejaz railway, east of the Jordan, have-'been, captured— 10,000' more prisoners.

.-THE-NEW SITUATION IN THE BALKANS BULGARIA SURRENDERS UNCONDITIONALLY REPORTED OFFER FROM TURKEY London, September.3o, 4 p.m. The New Zealand.High Commissi oner reportß:— ' . "Bulgaria has accepted the French terms, and surrendered unconditionally." By Telegraph-Press Aesofltatlon-Copyrlght. ■ -:......■ London, September 30. . .Mr. Bonar Law states that hostilities:.'witn* Bulgaria terminated at noon to-day.' -1 "The German'dream of Mittel-Eurbpa' is 'gone for ever."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.CONTROL OF THE BULGARIAN RAILWAYS '■'■■' New York, September 30.' Bulgaria completely relinquishes tbe control of her railways to the Allies' use.' The Washington correspondent of the New York "Times" states that thVGreek Minister in Washington said that the occupation of Sofia by tho Allies was imposed on Bulgaria.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assu. Washington, September 30. The Bulgarian Minister (M. Panateroff) says that Bulgaria will practically be on the Allies' side for the remainder of the war. The correspondent of the United Press reports that M. Stephen Panaretoff says that Bulgaria will be friendly to any move against Turkey. '■ Mr.'Dominick Murphy, the American Consul-General at Sofia, who accompanied the Bulgarian negotiators to Salonika, has been ordered to return to his post, as he had not received any 'instructions from Washington to participate in the negotiations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. TERMS OF THE ARMISTICE • , . . . (Reo. October 1, 11.10 p.m.) London, September 30. . The Central News Agency states that the armistice provides for immediate demobilisation,• the surrender of. all means of transport, including vessels and railways, the passage of the Entente's troops, and the control of the navigation of the Danube.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' l < "TSAR" FERDINAND IN A CHASTENED MOOD. (Rec, October 1, 9.45 p.m.) ' , • ' , _ London, September 30. ' A Sofia.message states that King Ferdinand has pardoned 1 all politicians who were imprisoned at the time of Bulgaria's entry into the war, restoring them their civil and political rights.—Reuter. . COMMENT ON THE SITUATION . TURKEY WILL PROBABLY FOLLOW SUIT. London, September 30. General Maurice) writing in the "Daily Chronicle," commends General d'Esperey's refusal of an armistice, which might morely ■ have _ been hiitended to gain time in order to extricate the Bulgarian right wing, which is in danger of- being cut off, and enable the Austrians and Germans to arrive in time to save TJskub. "If Bulgarians sincerely desirous of peace she can proceed with negotiations while the military operations continue. Bulgaria's application for an armistice, together with Berlin's prompt repudiation of the proposals, not only means.that the Bulgarian-army has deteriorated, but that the morale of the people and the Government has broken. It is marvellous that an army with a great military reputation, entrenched in positions of extraordinary strength.tehould be so quickly reduced to such straits." If Bulgaria left the Central Powers, Turkey would probably follow suit. Germany's Asiatic ambitions would then bo'unrealisablo. Tho Dardanelles and -the.Black Sea would be opened, providing a new road for help against tbe Germans in Russia, and securing for the Allies the corn and oil of South Russia and the Caucasus. Great portions of the British armies in Palestine and Mesopotamia would bo released; tho strain on the Navy and the morcantjle marino would bo relieved; and we would bo ablo to assist Rumania, where rumours of anti-German risings are reported. This would give Austria a new frontier to defend. It is small wonder that Berlin is frightened."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FEELING IN GERMANY AND AUSTRIA "GRAVEST HOUR HAS STRUCK."Berne, September 30. The "Lokal Anzeiger" declares that Germany's gravest hour has struck. A conference at tho German Headquarters, between the Kaiser, thn Crown Prince, General von Hindenburg;, General von LudctidorfF, and Dr. von Hinteo (Foreign Minister), is considering Bulgaria's action. Vienna newspapers state that Ferdinand, King of Bulgaria, assured tho Emperor Karl of his-adherence to the Central Powers. U is evident that tho Malinoff Cabinet lias broken with King Ferdinand.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable ' Assn. REPORTED RESIGNATIONS OF GERMAN CHANCELLOR AND FOREIGN MINISTER. (Rec. October 1, 9.45 p.m.) I Amsterdam, September 30. j The "Vossischo Zoitung" understands that Count von Hertling and Dr. von Hintze have tendered their resignations.—Reuter. (Reo. October 1, 11.10 p.m.) Amsterdam, September 30. .The Kaiser has accepted Count von Hertling's resignation.—Reuter. J

MOVEMENT FOE PARLIAMENTARY GOVERNMENT. (Rcc. October 1, 11.10 p.m.) London, September 30. c Reports from Amsterdam state tliat. the majority of parties in the Reichstag aro agreed on the necessity for Parliamentary Government.— Aus.-N.JS. Cable Assn. GERMANY, MALINOFF, AND FERDINAND EULGAR PREMIER IN STRONG POSITION. (Rec. October 2, 1.55 a.m.) ■ Amsterdam, September 30. Bulgaria's collapso was received with consternation in Berlin, especially in financial and commercial circles. There is great political excitement in Austria, notably among the Slavs. The Crown Council, hoping to off the debacle, yesterday discussed the possibility of forming a Coalition Government and reshaping the constitution on ti federal basis with a view to meeting the Slav aspirations. Stockholm's well-informed authority strikingly describes the succession or efforts Germany made-to keep Bulgaria in the war. Berlin was aware for two months that Malinoff, with the tacit support of the army and the people, was" determined to seouro peaco before tho winter, regardless of the interests of the Aiistro : Germans. King Ferdinand, though overtly pro-German, did not resist the peace move, fearing a revolution and knowing Maliuoff's strength. Malinoff contemplated aji unconditional surrender provided only that British troops were allowed to occupy Sofia. He trusted to the Allies' mercy and willingness to settlo the Balkans question in accordance with the principles of justice and soli-determination.—"The Times." PEACE MOVEMENT IN THE CENTRAL EMPIRES AUSTRIA'S RESOLVE: PEACE AT WHATEVER COST. (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) , London, September 30. The "Daily News" Hague correspondent states, on tho autlmrity of a well-known diplomatic source, that th e German Government now realises the 'imperative importance of securing peace. Tho conviction/ is spreading in favour of a formal declaration embodying President Wilson's proposals. Tnis does not mean that certain action will be taken immediately owing to tho fact that military and diplomatic circles arc still determined to light on. It is recognised that Austria's action in issuing her Peaco Note has made the situation more difficult. She is resolved to obtain peace, at whatever cost.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MORE KAISER SPREAD-EAGLING • (Rec. October 1, 11.10 p.m.) • Amsterdam, September 30. ' The Kaiser has telegraphed to the AVestphalian Patriotic Society:— "Glance at our magnificent successes! Our horoic.sons and their leaders can protect the German peoples even in tho changeable fortunes _ of war against unworthy discouragement and unjustified doubt. Germany is undeniably decided to 'utilise all her forces' to tight this enforced offensive war until victory is assured, so that tho Fatherland may be protected tor all time 'against foreigu oppression."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.. ' GERMAN JOURNAL'S PREDICTION A SERIES OF CAPITULATIONS. . ' (Rec, October 2, 1.15 a.m.) : Amsterdam, September 30. Tho "Vossische Zeitung," writing before the Bulgarian capitulation, predicted that such an event would lead to the capitulation of Turkey, tho reunion of the Entente Powers and Rumania, and finally to. tho capitulation or Austria-Hungary.—Reufcer. INTERNAL REVOLTS PRECIPITATED THE CRISIS (Rec. October 2, 1.15 a.m.) , Amsterdam, September 30. A Vienna message says that the Bulgarian debacle was duo to revolts among the people as well as to the military situation.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable A6sn. TURKEY'S ATTITUDE - REPORTED REQUEST- FOR AN ARMISTICE. (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) New York, September 30. A peace offer from Turkey is reported to be imminent.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) ■ New Yorh, September 30. The New York "Times's" Hague correspondent learns from a highly authoritative source that Turkey has already asked.for an arnustice.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn ON THE BATTLEFRONT .BULGARIAN RETREAT CUT OFF. New York, Septemhor 30. The Serbians east of Veles have out off the retreating Bulgarian army.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. SERBIAN OFFICIAL REPORT

(Rec. October 1, 9.45 p.m.) London, September 30. A Serbian official report states :-"B.y a bold manoeuvre, northward of Pliachkavistn, wo captured Carevofelo, cutting off the Bulgarian retreat. Wo cantured seven hundred prisoners and twenty guns here. On our western ront ton en m7regiments attempted' to defend St Nicholas. Our strong attack compelled them to abandon the position. We are now over 6 m lea northward of St Nicholas. In the direction of Velcs and Uskub the ifioSbian troops took the dominating heights on the left bank of the Pchinga."--Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Iteuter. FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT. , v London, September 30. A French Eastern communique states:—"The Allied loft wing continued on Saturday to drive back the enemy's rearguards upon Kichevo, and captured Brod and the heights north of Mosna, and the town of Ochrida. The Serbians progressed north and north-east of Veles and Kotohane and reached ihe frontier in the direction of Kumanovo and Ivuatendi. lhe British anTGreeks are advancing north of Strummtea, m the d.rcct.on of Pelicova, and upon Petrioh, down the Strummtea Valley. Over 350 gnus tarebeen capped to Cable Assn.-Reuter. . v FRENCH CAVALRY IN USKUB (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) Ottawa, September 30. . ' Tim United Press correspondent on the Macedonian front states that the French cavalry troops have entered TJskub.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

THROUGH THE MAIN HINBENBURG LINE THRILLING ACCOUNTS OF THE BATTLE ENEMY BROKEN IN SUPREME EFFORT New York, September 30. The British have captured Gheluwo (eight miles south-east of Ypres and two miles from Menin), and are Bearing the outskirts of Mcmn. Lille is endangered The United Press London corespondent learns authoritatively that the Belgians have captured Roulers. The London Daily News reports that Roulers lias been captured. . Tho United Press Apency in London learns unofhcially that the enemy is apparently rotirijig fronftbe Chemin-tlo.s-Damcs. The French have reached the Oise-Aisnc Canal.-Aus.-N.Z. Cahlo Assu. (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) London, September 30. The Belgians have captured Vorcken and Staden. Tho British have captured Gheluwo and AVarneton. Fighting is proceeding within Cambrai. AV'c havo captured tho western and soutii-western suburbs. The enemy is evacuating the Chcniin-des-Damcs.—Aus.-N. 'L Cable Assu.

CROSSING OF THE SCHELDT TERRIFIC ATTACK ON THE SUPER-SIEGFRIED LINE (Rec. October 1, 9.45 p.m.) \ London, September 30. Mr. Beach Thomas writes: "To-day was to be the test battle. The enemv knew that if he failed to stand hero he would stand nowhere. Consequently ho had brought up special storm divisions. General Monash faced a problem as hard as any problem-solver could wish. The only favounihlo acoident was tho disappearance of tho canal under tho hill, giving the tanks an opening. When the forty-eight hours' bombardment ended with a hum-

JMis of gas-shells, tlio Americans bounded forward, fought with desperato oravcry, and forced the redoubts, the tanks helping. The Midland troops stormed tlio colossal defences of Bellcnidise. At 9 o'clock the Australians leap-frogged through the Americans, after which the successive strong points of _the super-Siegfried line ■were won and the signals were flying. tip from the objectives thousands of yards ahead. Among those was Le Catclct, most valuable, for its roads and railways. Cainbrai will soon be between the pincers —tlio Canadians are approaching from the north and the Scottish, and New Zoalandcrs from the south. The New Zealanders reached the road towards Cambrai with unbelievable speed, sending hack a thousand prisoner. Before the morning mist cleared they had encircled La Vacquerie, and bombed out the garrison before the scheduled hour." "Story Full of Thrilling Interest." Mr. Percival Phillips writes: "To-day defeat fell upon the Hun, when the last remaining fragment of the Hindenburg line was wrenched from the German front. Men from the British 1 sles, Australasia, and America broke the surviving limb of the Wotan-Sieg fried fortress almost at a single stride. I don't see how the three German armies opposite us can hopo to repair their fortunes. The story is full of thrilling interest, and must he told picce.numl. Take, first, the breaking of the Hindenburg lino southward of Vendhuille. The Australians and Americans drove frontajly through the main support systems and over the tunnel of the canal dividing them. They, attacked from the old German outpost lino a mile westward of the. canal, through six layers of deep trenches protected by broad banks of wire, the whole forming the strongest defensive system erected by the enemy on the West front, "it had never heou assaulted ho fore, and was manned by good German divisions, who had been ordered tn hold on until they died, knowing that tho immediate future of their army depended on their exertions, lint no troops, however stout, could offer much resistance after such a bombardment as preceded our attack. Tlio Americans were iirst through the battered defences, and found themselves in the German main defences when they had gone 1200 yards. Only isolated maehi ne-guii lire hindered the Americans to any extent) tmtil they came- against the villages of Bony and Bellicourt, which were strongly fortified, but they passed both before S o'clock, when they wore reported to be still lighting." A Croat Military Feat. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "There had been ceaseless firing for forty-oighfc hours before tho morning's attack began. Tho gunners liral gas-shells for ten hours, spreading a /.one of death over a wide territory and flinging thousands of rounds of gas-shells over tho German batteries and assembly places. Following a few minutes of a hurricaoo bombardment tho infantry advanc, ed behind the creeping barrage. A hundred or more tanks had gone forward during tho night-time, hiding until they crawled out at daylight, and with the infantry made for the Scheldt,, which is sixty yards wide where it goes above the ground. Elsewhere it is enclosed in a funnel. The crossing of tho canal was recognised as a military feat as great as anything in tho history of tho war, more difficult oven than the crossing of the Canal du Nord. Tlio canal goes underground for over threo miles northward of Ilollicpurt. This portion is defended by tho Hindenburg line, with immense belts of wire, deep and wide trendies, and a network of earthworks. Within an hour after the attack began reports arrived that tho South Midlanders had secured the crossing and. were well on the other side. The main Hindenburg lino on this sector was broken through, and the' troops so niiiclr past it at many points that it is now only an ironical memory. Tlio Australians and Amencans on the right of tho attack- stormed tho canal where it is partly abovo and partly below the ground around Bellicourt. The line here is ternlic in its original strength,-for besides tho wide canal, there were great belts of wire and many trenches, but the guns cut tho wire. This morning the troops displayed marvellous valour in establishing bridges. Luckily the heaw German barrage fell mostly behind them. Some of our wounded received their hurts in their desperate eagerness to keep close to their own barrage, the Americans being less experienced in- this than the Australian veterans. Prisoners state that the Masieres-Beaurevoir line is not maimed, but observers report a, rapid movement of German trains westward, showing that the onemv is rushing up reinforcements to hold this position, where, probably a great battle will be fought. Once through that, luio we are out in open country, when anything may happen."—Aub.-N.Z. Cable Assu. 1 PALL OF ST. QUENTIN AND CAMBRAI IMMINENT GREAT ADVANCE IN FLANDEES OFFENSIVE. (Rec. October 1, 7.45 p.m.) London, September 30. The fall of St. Quentin and Cambrai is regarded as imminent. 'Already both towns are useless to the enemy from the point of view of road and railway communication. It is doubtful if anything can he got in or out ot St. Quentin. The fall of both places will mean a complete readjustment ot the whole of the enemy's line between the Scarpe and the Oise. Tho AngloBelgian advance oii tho Flanders front, of twenty-live miles, has now reached a general depth of five miles, though it is eight miles at its sharpest point. In two davs we hav,e gained twico the ground that was taken in the Mossines-Passcheudaeb .offensives from June to November of last year. , This suggests some insufficiency of lighting power in the German Army. The advance is a serious ■thrust at the whole system of communication affecting the Belgian coast. Lite railway between Holders and Mcnin. is tho main connection between Lille and Osteufl. This front is now useless for railways. Eight main roads meet at Holders, aud the swampy ground makes tho building of fresh military roads impossible.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '. SPLENDID PROGRESS IN FLANDERS

(Roc. October 1, 11.10 p.m.) London, September 30. Router's correspondent at British Headquarters, . writing on Monday morning, states:—"The Belgians and our Second Army are .making splendid progress in Flanders, where the situation has become fraught with dramatic possibilities. The Germans have received some reinforcements in the shape k two tired divisions, which were withdrawn from the bomme lighting on fieptembev 25, and consequently the resistance has stiffened somewhat, hut noivhero i« it sufficiently formidable to arrest the general advance. lnc Belgians Rot into Dianude by a smart flanking movement, and swiftly went through the town, in spite, of street fighting. A large party of the enemy held out obstinately in the Hotel deVillc, but eventually . all were either lulled or captured."—Renter. ■ • . " HOW DIXMUDE WAS TAKEN , (Rec. October 1-2, Midnight.) London, September 30. The United Press c.resp— states w. flanking moveme. lorn frch d « D ; t nosito the Belgians, n eluding the ™£ undre A ins> ind t l, o British ninety--sho Bclgjans *cd a toUl oHJuee hunfl seven. The Bntis i gin swe o «» . i dfi t fia(jh oUlel . man batteries mi the ndgo x hni d d r s.Stcivc l ts^?H t,,c dW Tho Briti6h are well east ' ward of Moorsleede.-Aus.-N.Z. Cablejissn. • MANGIN'S EXPLOIT ON THE AILETTE

GERMAN RETREAT FROM THE AISNE INEVITABLE. (Rec. October 1,'9.45 p.m.) ■ *■" London, September 30. Ah- Gerald Campbell writes :-"General Maugin in two days has ,\von the K«noh "allied last year only after three months proH!n It command he°whole of tho Ailette Valley. It will be impos,Tb£ for'the oS to on the Ailette, and a retreat from the Aisno is only a matter of time."-United Service. RETREAT FROM THE AILETTE BEGUN.

(Roc. October 2, 1.15 a.m.) V Paris, September 30. There are unmistakable signs that the enemy behind the Ailette is re-treating.—Aus.-N.55.-Cable Assn. THE GERMAN COLLAPSE AT jMALMAISONMANGIN'S FORCING TACTICS.

London, September 30. Mr floors Pcrris ("Daily Chronicle")- writes :-"General Carlowitz's sudden inSment o ho Malmaison front, one of the strongest German positions on the Wost front, and hisvetreat behind the Ailette, bepn 01. 1 riday St General Mangin's army had been stead,l.y pursuing the patient >- vSent of theMalmaison Plateau by a concentric movement from the SwAt west and south. It was engaged in a fierce encounter on 1< n™v the CSmbe Farm; and bombarded the whole region during.the night Patrols went out at six in the morning and encountered resistance d the mined villages of Jouy and Ahy, but the exploding bombs am i,urniu- Tores made' clear what was afoot. A. general advance began at c between Vauxaillon and Vailly, and quickly, reached and passed the Lffik"of the Chemin dos Dames. Vio ent cxploswus occurred nX moat df Fort Malmaison, but no one was hurt The French, advanced nc[reach™ Pinon and Vaudesson in the cvemn 5> and the pursuit was con--1 . llit On Sunday morning wo had reached the old front on tho Kte Sial Mangin's left advanced beyond the old line, and reached Brancourt, threatening Ainay le Chateau and Laon from tho west as well as from tho sonth."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OUR GAINS IN TERRITORY AND PRISONERS. London, September 30. Sncakine of the Allied offensive in the West, Mr. Bonar Law staled that since Tulv 12 the British have captured a thousand square- miles ol territory, 250 villages, and 120,000 prisonere.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

FOOTS PLAN: "TO SMASH THEM WHERE THEY STAND" Paris, September 30. ■IV "Milin" asserts that General Koch's plaii is to grip the. enemy where ho stands, and smash him to irretrievable dcfcitt.-Aus.-r,./. table Assn. FURTHER BIG GERMAN RETREAT EXPECTED (Rcc. October 1, 0.15 p.m.) , ' Parts, September 30. The military authorities anticipate a further big German retreat in order to shorten the linn and economise in man-pmver Marsha Jjonli s plan to absorb the German reserves is working magnihcontly. If the British capture Cambrai tho way will be open to tho Ardennes by the north-east.—Aus.-A.fl. Cable Assn-