FALL OF LAON

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 17, 15 October 1918, Page 5

FALL OF LAON

I FRENCH TENTH ARMY ENTER !:■:. THE CITY.

!. BRffISH AT THE GATES OF DOUAI

GERMAN REPLY TO AMERICA

CLEVERLY WORDED SCREED ■ OF AMBIGUITY

Laon, desoribed as the keystone of tlie great German defensive system in tho West,' has fallen, and is now occupied by tlie French. Tie British are hammering at the gates of Douai, and probably by now the city is in our hands, for there is no indication that ttie enemy proposes to prolong lu's resistance here. The evacuation of Flanders proceeds apace. Ostend. it is stated, has been abandoned, In the ■ Balkans the Serbians have captured Nish, while the French cavalry operating in Upper Serbia are rapidly clearing the towns of the enemy. The German reply to the President's request for further in- ' formation in regard to. the proposal for an armistice is described as an elaborate and cleverly-worded piece of ambiguity. There is no mistaking the attitude of the Allies as expressed by public men and in the Press. They are all solidly for unconditional surrender. Mr. M'Adoo, the United States Treasurer, is quite emphatic on the / point. ■ . .

MAIN KEYSTONE OF GERMAN DEFENCE ' CAPTURED . " FRENCH ENTER LAON IMPENDING FALL OF DOUAI ■ Tlie High. Commissioner reports London, October 14, 1.30 a.m. . A French official report rfates: "The French Tenth Army entered Laon, ■ delivering 6500 civilians. We are a long way past the town on -the whole front between tho Oise and northward of the Ailette."By TeleeraiA-P/ess Aasooiation-Oonyrieht New York, October 13. . . The British are fightjng in tho streets of Donai.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN DEFENSIVE KEYSTONE GONE ; (Rec. October 14, 11.30 p.m.) London, October 13. Reuter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on the evening : of October 13, says: "Further French progress is recorded from the Oise to the Aisne, and in Champagne, south-east of Laon. We reached a lino running straight from Ortev.il to Ainifontaine. In the centre' we occupied a strong position'north of Che Aisne. We are bridging the river under occasional heavy artillery'fire. east, in the great northward bend of the ■ Aisne, we hold" the southern bank of the river to Vonziers. North of this . line numerous fires indicate that the enemy does not intend to hold for long his new natural line along the Serre River. The French entered Laon without ■ a fight, thus reconquering the great group of natural obstacles which for years has formed the keystone or the German defence in France."—Reuteri REPORTED ABANDONMENT OF OSTEND 1 (Rec. Ootober 14, 11,30 p.m.) The Hague, October 14. It is reported that all the Ostend guns have been removed. The coastal population, wildly excited, are the districts _ within the zone of long-range artillery and nocking to the interior, causing congestion and panic and interference with the lines of communication. All news, including President Wilson's reply, is stopped at the frontier. —"The Times." BRITISH TENACITY WINS (Rec. October 14, 9.45 p.m.) . London, October 13. Renter's correspondent at British Headquarters, writing on the evening of October 13, says:, "Between Le Cateau and St. Vaast the Germans in strength are fighting hard. We renewed our attack here yesterday. Most severe fighting ocourred along the railway embankment from Montiy to Neuville. Large new enemy forces were fiercely counter-attacking, supported by tanks, the whole morning. By the afternoon British.tenacity triumphed, and wa were pursuing the Germans-eastward.—Router. 1 THE SITUATION REVIEWED London, October 13. The Germans in tho Champagne have abandoned_ tho lino of the Retourne River and are undoubtedly going behind the Aisno. Tho rapidity of the retirement may be gauged from the: fact that the French this morning advanced four or fivo miles on the whole of this front. The advanco is so rapid that it is difficult to follow the exact line, but there is nothing for a'considerable distance to impede the French advance. The. British north of the Scarpe have reached a line about two miles west of Douai. The enemy is obviously retiring behind the S'enseo Canal. We shall probably be on the edge of the canal and tho outskirts of Douai on Sunday morning. On the Chemin-des-Dames the French havo progressed from the west, the enemy falling back beyond the eastern end towards the R'eims-Laon Road, north of Berry-au-Bac. It is expected that the, enemy will shortly evacuate tho whole of the Chemin-des-Dames,, and rotire behind tho Ailetto. The Germans have' practically abandoned the Flanders coast 1 . They have removed a large number of guns, and have sunk more ships in the entrance to Zeebrugge ' and Ostend to hinder sea operations.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. October 14, 9.45 p.m.) London, October 13. Our troops are at the gates of Douai. They have captured the suburbs on the west bank of the Sensee Canal. The Allies occupy practically the whole of the St. Gobain massif. The French have reached the outskirts of Laon, which ia expected to fall at any momont. We advanced another six or seven miles to-day in tins region. Tho enemy has practically evacuated the Oise salient. The Allies have emerged into the open country in the neighbourhood of tho source of the Louchey River. The enemy is carrying out a retreat towards the frontier in good order, according to a well-thought-out plan. It is no debacle. Moral has deteriorated in one or two seotors, but there is no widespread deterioration. When the present retreat , has been carried.out the enemy will be in an extremely difficult position, with the number of salients and the prospect of open warfare. The peace negotiations have not affected the enemy's moral. Political considerations Tather than military necessity are responsible for the peace overtures.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RETREAT TO THE RHINE MIGHT BE A GAIN. (Rec. October 14, 7.20 p.m.) Stockholm, October 13. According to the Afton redding en,' the German Centre Party considers that Germany'will rather gain than lose from a retreat to the Rhine. The shorter front would be easier to defend, and tho moral of the army would he strengthened if the soldiers defending the_ Fatherland were on their own soil. The Socialists are of,the same opinion.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable .Assn. WHOLE HORIZON A SEA OF SMOKE AND FLAMES London, October 13. Reuter's correspondent at British Headquarters writes Every where on the line of retreat fires light the horizon. The enomy is concentrating upon destroying all places of commercial value and household effects. They . mean to ruin the prospects for tho future prosperity of the country. Apparently they still believo that fright fulness will stimulate the anxiety to grant an armistice. Reuter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on Saturday after- ! noon, says: The Germans continue their rapid retreat on the whole Champagne front of 60 miles. The horizon is a sea of smoke and flames. Every town and village for miles behind the enemy's lines is burning. The meaning of this is that if terms acceptable to Germany are not offered, France wiTl recover her invaded territories, because it cannot be prevented, but they 'will be deserts littered with dead cities.—ißeuter.

" WE WERE TOO QUICK FOR THEM " London, October 13. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "Airmen report that the roads south-east of Le Gateau are surging with twffic. Transport is struggling to get clear of the British advance, amid streams of deported French civilians. Frequently the crossroads arc blocked, and confusion and disorder reign, and on some of the roads our aviators arc doing their best to increase the confusion and fears of the retreating army. The Germans for the first time in this war knows the terrors of a retreat with an enemy hard 011 their heels. That terror will be with them to the end. Tho tanks have gone after them, to the amazement of the villagers. Tho enemy hoped to make the roads impassable, but we were too quick, and the enemy was unable to mine the crossroads according to plan. It/ must not be forgotten that we are paying the prico of victory. Our patrols still face the machine-guns and field-guns with the same deadly risks and frightful fatigues._ Wo must not forget' the splendour and sacrifice of officers'and men trudging through shells and bullets towards victoiy. Yet tho Germans have the spirit of defeat, and think only of peace. The Elisor's offer has thrown them off their mental balance,, and demoralisation has grown."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. RETREAT PERILOUSLY NEAR, A ROUT. London, October 13. Mr. George Pen-is writes: "It would he inaccurate to say that the Germans on the French 'front are dislocated, but their position is dangerous, and we may see tho retreat become a rout in some sectors. The German persistence in holding Laon is most adventurous, but undoubtedly much material has beeni removed. The enemy has crowded half a million men with their impedimenta on the few main roads between the Sambre and the Argonne."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. EXIT GENERAL VON MARWITZ. London, October 13. The Havas Agency reports that General von der Marwita has been deprived of his command owing to his defeat' at Cambrai.—Reuter. THE OFFICIAL REPORT BRITISH ATTACK ON DOUAI London, October 13. • Sir Douglas Haig reports: "There is local fighting along 'the line of the Selle River, between Le Catem and Solesmes. We made steady progress north-west of Solesmes towards the Selle Valley, and drove out the enemy rearguards from St. Vaastf, St. Aubert, Villers-en-Calchies, and Avesnes-le-Sec. More to tho north we cleared the west bank of tho Sensee Canal, between Arleux and Corbohem, both of which aro in our possession. Wo are closely approaching the line cf.the oanal west of Douai, and cast of Lens wo havo captured Montigny, Harnes, and Annay. We inflicted numerous casualties on the German rearguards and took prisoners in sharp local fighting on the whole of this front."—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aseii.-Reuter. (R'ee. October 14, 10.45 p.m.) : London, October 13, 11.20 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Local engagements continued 011 tho i lino of the Sello River. We enlarged our bridgehead position in the neighbourhood of Solesmes and made progress on the west bank of the river about Ha'ussy and Saulzoir. We took prisoners in local fighting in the. neighbourhood of Lieustamand. Early this morning our troops crossed the Sensee Canal at Aubigny-au-Bac, but were nn able to maintain the position in the face of strong counter-attacks. We continued to advance north-west of Douai. We hold Courcelles-lez-Lens and Noyelle Godault, and are approaching the line of the Hautedeule Canal on the whole front between Douai and Vendinlevieil. We have prisonered a number in this seotor."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assri.-Reuter. VICTORIOUS MARCH OF THE FRENCH London, October 13, A French communique states: "The battle began in the Champagne on September 26 and ended, after seventeen days of fighting, in the complete defeat of the enomy. The Fourth Army completed the liberation of the bend of the Aisrie by reoccupying to-day thirty-six localities and freeing several thousand civilians who have been subjected to the German yoke since 1914. This army alone, since the beginning of the Champagne offensive, has taken 21,567 prisoners, including 499 officers, with 600 guns and much material. The Fifth Army, on. its left, relentlessly pursuing the enemy, crossed the Retourne, and advanced six miles and a hdlf. We hold Vieux-les-Asfold and Asfeld-la-Ville, and the southern outskirts of Balnzy. We crossed the Aisne, and are fighting at Guignicourt/ and Neufehatel, and adva-ncing towards Mont Prouvaix. Between tho Aisne and the Oise our vigorous pressure forced the enemy to a fresh retreat. Pressing his rearguards, we reached tho Ailctte north of Craonne. Further west our lino is marked by Chivy-les-Etouvelles, three miles jn front of Laon, Bourgignon, Faucburcourt, and points east of Premontre, east of St. Gobain, and west' of Bertaucourt and Denillet."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. October 14, 9.20 p.m.) London, October 13, 5 p.m. A French states: "We captured La Fere and crossed the railway from La Fere towards Laon, in the neighbourhood of Danizv Versigny. To the north-east the villages of tho Serre are aflame. In the St. Gobain massif area wo occupied St. Nicholas-aux-Bois-Suzy. Tho Italian troops made progress north of..the Ailctte. Further east we hold the line of Aizelle, Berrieux, and Amifontain. Wo have cleared the last points of resistance in the bend orf the Aisne." —Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.-Reutor. HEAVY FIGHTING ON THE AMERICAN FRONT London, October 13. An American communique states: "East of the Mouse thero has been heavy fighting in Bois des Caures. We attained our objectives rn both sides of the river. Sinoe September 26 we have taken 17,659 prisoners in this sec-tor."—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • '' ' I THE ENEMY'S REPORT (Rec. October 14, 9.45 p.m.) London, October 13, 6 p.m. A wireless German official report states: "We withdrew somewhat northeast of Cambrai, but the enemy did not follow. Wo reached near Avesnes-le-Sec and the heights 011 th west bank of the Selle, near Saulzoir and Haussy, between the Oise and the Aisne. The, enemy reached the wooded districts of St. Gohain and the heights north of the Ailette and Amifontaine."—Aus.N.Z. Cablo Assn.-R'euter. ; THE WAR IN THE AIR London, October 13. Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states: -"Our low-flyers bombed and machine-gunned parties of German infantry and transport, dropping nine tons of bombs and inflicting casualties. Night flying was impossible."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-R'euter. THE ENEMY'S LOSSES IN SEPTEMBER. London, October 13. The Press Bureau 1 reports: "Five hundred and forty-eight German aeroplanes wore destroyed ,or disabled 011 the Western front in September, and fifty-nine balloons wero destroyed. Two hundred and thirty British machines are missing". Those figures <iro exclusive of tho heavy casualties inflicted by the Independent Air Force and the British coastal squadrons in their raids into Germany and Belgium."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.-Reuter. THE GERMAN PEACE MANOEUVRES REPLY TO PRESIDENT WILSON ALLIED OPINION FIRM FOR UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER London, October 13. A German official message states:— "The German Government has replied to President Wilson. The German Government 1 has accepted the terms laid down by President Wilson in his address on January 8 (in which tho fourteen points wero set out), and his subsequent addresses on tho foundation of a permanent peace of justice. Consequently its object iu entering into discussions would be only to agree upon 1 tho practical details in tho application of these terms. Tbo_ German Government believes tho Governments of the Powers associated with the_ United States will also adopt the position laid down by President Wilson in his address. The German Government is in accordance with the Austro-Hunganan Government for the purpose of bringing about an armistice, and declares itself ready to comply with the President's propositions in regard to evacuation, and suggests that tho President may occa-sion a meeting of a mixed commission for the making of the necessary arrangements concerning the evacuation. The present German Government, which has undertaken the responsibility for this stop towards peace, has been formed by conferences, and is m agreement with the great majority of the members of the Reichstag. The Chancellor is supported in all his actions by the will of this majority, and speaks in the name of tho German Government and people.—(Signed) Solf. -Aus.-N.Z. Cable,Assn.-Reuter. ALLIES CONFERRING London, October 13. Tbe British Government has received the German reply, the ambiguity of ivhich will probably necessitate extensivo communications between the Allies. The British and French consultation with President Wilson begins to-day with a view to obtaining a clearer German statement as to ample guar-antees—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. _ Mr. A. J. Balfour and Mr. Bonar Law are conferring with Mr. Lloyd George to-day regarding the German reply.—Reuter. HOW THE REPLY WAS RECEIVED London, October 13. The language of the German reply suggests that the democratisation of the German Government is complete, hut authoritative quarters regard _ Dr. golf's professions to speak in the name of the German people with suspicion. They pokit out that it is unlikely that the Kaiser, the Court, and the mili-

tarists have given up their power without a struggle, and that they prota- . abl.v hope to deceive America by keeping in the background. A free Reichstag, elected by universal suffrage, with power to appoint its own Ministers, would alone be able to speak in the name of tho German people. The consensus of newspaper opinion is 'that President Wilson will not recommend tho Allies to grant Germany an armistice unless it is accompanied by a solid guarantee over and above the evacuation of invaded territory, such guarantees to include, according to somo writers, the occupation by British and French or the Americans of the fortress of lletz and the bridgeheads of the Rhine, which it is taken for granted General Foch will lay down as a military condition. Several newspapers insistently demand tho surrender of the German submarines before there is any suspension of hostilities. The "Observer" emphasises tho danger of Germany attempting to_ use President Wilson for the purpose of baffling General Foch. Any armistice must bo accompanied by guarantees making it impossible for the enemy to renew the struggle.—Aus.iN.Z. Cable Assn, PRESIDENT HEARS THE NEWS WHILE AT THE OPERA HOUSE. (Rec. October .15, 0.10 a.m.) New York, October President Wilson"received the first intimation of the German Nofe while sitting in a 'box at the Metropolitan Opera House, whereupon he engaged in a quiet conversation with Colonel House. When the President arrival lie received a tremendous ovation. It was expected that President Wilson would briefly address the audience, but lie did not speak.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A WARNING FROM WASHINGTON. Washington, October 12. Official circles warn the public against believing that Germany is about to surrender unconditionally—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. " UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER " .. MR. M'ADOO'S VIEW OF THE NOTE. (Rec. October 15, 1.40 a.m.) October 14. The text of Germany's reply has been perused. Mr. JrAdoo (United States Treasurer) says that wnat the American Government demands, based on President Wilson's messages and speeches, is unconditional surrender. If. the text of the reply is authentic, it means just that. Officials comment on the significant fact that Germany's reply associates Austria-Hungary, but omits Turkey. The implication is that nnless the message was written in unusual haste, Turkey is no longer Germany's ally.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn, NO PROSPECT OP EARLY ARMISTICE (Rec. October 14, 11,10 p.m.) ' ' London, October 14. . It is authoritatively stated that there is no prospect of an early armistice. Moreover, when the time is ripe for considering the i proposition an armistice will not bo seriously considered without accompanying naval and .military guarantees that Germany is not merely ready to sheathe the sword, but is absolutely powerless to resume hostilities. These fundamental points represent the views of Britain and her Allies. President Wilson is unlikely to reply at present. It is expected that he will consult with the Allies before definitely drafting his answer.—Router. OPINION IN DIPLOMATIC CIRCLES (Rec. October 14, 9.45 p.m.) * London, October 13. English diplomatic circles consider that Germany's reply constitutes a candid admission of defeat, and will entitle the Alleis to demand ai full and unconditional surrender, like Bulgaria 1 . Never in history has a great nation climbed down so completely and quickly. It is pointed out that President Wilson's fourteen points were announced in January, 1918. Much has happened meanwhile, including President Wilson's declaration that it is no longer sufficient to rehabilitate Germany in the eyes of an outraged world. I'robftbly before the armistice the Allies will compel Germany to give guarantees to pay for' the manifold crimes on sea and land and give up the perpetrators to trial and punishment. It is expected .that the Allies will send a joint replyj specifying the conditions on which they are willing, to grant an armistice.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. / ' OPINION IN FRANCE (Rec. October 14, 7.20 p.m.) Paris, October 13. ■ Comment on the German reply is summed up in the word "Capitulation." President Wilson should be the first to recognise that Marshal Foch is sole judge of.the desirability, of granting an armistice. The suggestion of a. mixed commission denotes Germany's desire to treat on a footing of equality, but only two parties are requisite for the armistice which Germany wants. The leader of the victorious side dictates tho terms and the leader'of the beaten side will obey. Dr. Solf's assurance of & Government on a Parliamentary basis is all deception. Not a line of the Imperial Constitution has been altered.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. I . THE FEELING IN GERMANY BITTER STRUGGLE BETWEEN MILITARISTS AND NEW CHANCELLOR. (Rec. Ootober 14, 7.20 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 13. There aro many reports from Berlin. Some declare that- a bittor struggle is proceeding between' the militarists and Prince Max. The former favour tho adoption of greater barbarism in the occupied French towns, and a'more ruthless submarine warfare, in the hope of influencing tho Entente Powers to reject the peace overtures. Probably the Government will ask President Wilson for a fuller explanation of tho evacuation terms, pointing out that tho German Army Command cannot conceive of any evacuation before an armistice. Also, it is suggested that a neutral zone should bo established between the Gorman and Entente armies, and that peace negotiations should begin immediately after the evacuation. If President Wilson is unfavourable, Germany will mobilise all her men up to the age of 55 years. Many Germans urge the Government not to evacuate except on definite conditions and the keeping of the Allies' artillery at a. distance from the industrial centres. Austrian circles are agitating in favour of the Entente troops remaining stationary whenever the evacuation is arranged, neutrals to send troops to guard the evacuated territories.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE PEACE DEMAND IN AUSTRIA > A SEPARATE CAPITULATION. London, October 13. The Zurich correspondent of the "Daily News" says: "It may be definitely asserted that Austria-Hungary has made her last peace offer in conjunction with Germany. If peace does not result quiokly, she will offer a separate unconditional peace. It can bo stated definitely that Germany knows her ally is out of the war militarily, and is hurrying to destruction. Only an immediate peace can avert the catastrophic end of the Empire. Tho correspondent confirms the reports of negotiations for the dissolution of tho Empire into autonomous States, and adds that the Emperor will shortly proclaim a Jugoslav kingdom. ■ The "Daily News" states that Austria has warned Germany that Austria will conclude a separate peace unless the collective negotiations quickly suc-ceed.—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn.' REVOLUTIONARY CHANGES IN PROGRESS London, October 13. The "Daily Telegraph's" correspondent at Milan states that revolutionary changes are quietly occurring,_ and the Austro-Hungarian Governments look on passively. Tho various parties have formed committees, which apparently work in complete harmony. The committees propose four independent States, and all parties concur in the pjan in principle, and the discussions relate to details. The Austrian Socialists who are conduoting the discussions for the German State propose to adopt the_ present boundaries of Austria. The Czecho-Solvaks and Jugo-Slavs declare their intention of proclaiming a sovereignty first, and then arranging tho boundaries with, their neighbours, in the hope that tho peace conference will ratify the decisions. Tho German deputies have summoned a German convocation to safeguard tho German nationalist aims. Every party ignores the Roichsrath. —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. "HERE TO-DAY AND GONE TO-MORROW" AUSTRIA-HUNGARY'S PRECARIOUS PREMIERSHIPS. Copanhagcn, Ostober 13. The "Politiken's" Vienna correspondent states that both Dr. Hussarek (Premier of Austria) and Dr. Wekerle (Premier of Hungary) have resigned.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. 1 THE CRUMBLING OF THE DUA L MONARCHY. (Rec. October 14, 9.45 p.m.) i Berne, October 13. The Muniqh "Neueste Nachrichten' - states that official circles in Berlin : expect an immediate dissolution of the Austro-Hungarian Dual Monarchy and tho proclamation of the independence of tho Czechs and Jugo-Slavs, and the creation of an independent Gorman State in Austria, which will unite with the German Empire.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.