RAPID ADVANCE IN FLANDERS

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 19, 17 October 1918, Page 5

RAPID ADVANCE IN FLANDERS

10,000 PRISONERS COUNTED

' ALLIES NEARING BRUGES

THE PEACE MOVE

ENEMY MUST FIGHT FT OUT

The new battle in Flanders is developing very well indeed. The 'Allies have taken Thorout and Meru'n, and are reported to be within two miles r of Courtrai. Ten thousand prisoners have been counted so far, and the nature of the enemy's resistance may be judged from the fact that six German batteries wore captured complete with teams. Rumours about'a probable armistice have evidently relaxed ■ the martial fibre of the Germans, for they are surrendering easily. , The Americans are encountering stiff, resistance north of Verdun, ..blit are nevertheless making steady progress. A wave of relief and satisfaction has greeted President Wilson's reply to the Germans, and it is now felt on all sides that the way is clear for the soldiers to go forward to their well-earned victory without political inter-, ference. ■ i ■.

THE. NEW BATTLE IN FLANDERS

.'/■■'/ 10,000 PRISONERS TO DATE THOUROUT AND * MENIN CAPTURED By Teloßraph-P/ess Assoolation-Couyriirht ', ■ ' ■•'-.'.' New York, October 15. The. Allies in Flanders have- gained seven miles, and-taken 10,000 prisoners. They are rapidly advancing north-east'of Routers. The Germans are re-tiring.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. • CAPTURE OF THOUROUT AND MENIN. • . < ' ". London, October 15 The Allies hate captured Thourout, twelve miles east of Dixmude and twelve miles •south-south-west of Bruges. The British have captured Menin (ll miles'east-south-east of Ypre?). ' ■ The United Press correspondent reports that over 10,000 prisoners have been taken in Belgium, with a hundred guns. The enemy's resistance is stif-fening.—Aiis.-N.Z. Cable Assn. - . \ . TWO MILES FROM COURTRAI (Rec. October 16, 7.40 p.m.) London, October 15, noon. , The Allies are'two miles from Courtrai. The Allied artillery is raking the enemy's communications between. Lille, Courtrai, and Thourout. ■ This means that we dominate, the link connecting the Germans in the Lille and Ostend sectors.—United Service. ? ~-;,:V :: A GREAT BATTLE ■' . '' ASTONISHINGLY LITTLE SHELL-FIRE. . ;_ London, October lq. : Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "After the first bombardment there was astonishingly little shell-fire in the Flanders battle to-day. Quietude was in striking contrast to. the tumult of gunfire during the battles in that region in 1917. 'flie wounded who have returned all brought the same tale—that the enemysput up a fight with machine-guns, and then surrendered. chief characteristic of the fighting was the strength with which tho enemy held the front line. Some of the Germans fought with extreme courage, sometimes rushing out their machine-guns through our barrage and getting our men in the open. Elsewhere they put up a poor resistance. One of their officers remarked : 'What can you expect when an armistice is probable in two or three days?'"—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '• ARMISTICE RUMOURS AFFECT ENEMY'S MORAL i ■ (Rec. October 16, 10 p.m.) London, October 15. t Mr..H. P. Robinson writes: "The Anglo-Belgian advance everywhere Las swept over the objectives. The advance takes us beyond the quagmire region, and wo are now on. fairly firm going. Many prisoners declare that the armiatice talk induced them to surrender. Ono officer explained his spic and span attire by saying: 'I have my peace clothes' on!' " —"The Times." ' CIVILIANS IN THE BATTLE ZONE A REQUEST FROM GERMANY. (Rec. October 16, 10 p.m.) .-'„., London, October 15. An official message from Berlin states that the' German Command has reguested the Swiss Government to inform tho French Government that, owto the fears of a bombardment, a severe panic is probable amongst the civilians in the region of- Lille and Valenciennes, and intimates that the Dutch Government has been asked and has agreed to shelter fugitives as far as possible. A. further .Berlin message'announces the plight of thirty thousand civilians, and_ proposes that the Allies should agree to refrain from bombarding a town in Northern France, adding that Germany is prepared to conic to an_ agreement for part of the population/to cross into the enemy lines. Failing compliance, Germany will not be responsible for civilians in occupied territory.—Ans.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' : AMERICAN CAPTURES • ■■' London, October-15. The Americans have captured Romagne and Cunel, in the region between the Argonne and the'Mouse.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . . STIFF RESISTANCE TO THE AMERICANS ~" - /' (Rec. .October 16, 1-1.25 p.m.) '-.''' . . London, October 16. Reuters correspondent at American Headquarters says: "The Americana yesterday moved their line to St, Georges-Landorest-St.-Georges after a bitter struggle. Eastward of_the Meuso we reached Sivry and Magnenta and the farm of Romagne. The Germans fought gallantly to liold back tho Americans, bringing up new Guards divisions. The Germans flooded the woods and ravines with mustard and lethal gases. Chatillon Woods, covering tho high hill south of Romagne, was stubbornly defended, the Americans gaining the summit in the evening, after being, repeatedly, thrown back. One thousand prisoners were sent to the rear."—Renter. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS . '■' DISPATCHES FROM THE FLANDERS BATTLE-FRONT London, October 15, 4.20 a.m. A Belgium communiquo states; "At 5.30 this morning the Belgian troops, closely co-operating with the French, attacked on a front of over twelve miles, between, tho-Haudwiemn Canal and the Roulers-Monin toad, breaking the enemy's resistance. The troops made considerable progress on the whole front, liberating the villages of Waudzaeme, Corteiunrck, Gits, St. Joseph, Honglede, Eeseren, Jlumboko, ISevtheni, Ouckene, and Winkel-St. Eloy. Towards midday the' French carried the town of Routers by assault. Further east the Belgians, in the course of the lighting, advanced over six miles, carrying Iseghem, and reaching the outskirts of Lendclede, liberating numerous civilians. The advance varies between four and ten kilometres (two and a half and six miles). The Allied airmen performed most useful work. Already 6000 prisoners have been counted, half of whom were captured by the French and half by the Belgians. Six complete batteries were captured, also a number of uncounted guns, and considerable booty. Tho enemy started fires at Routers, Cortemarck, Hooglede, and Gits, and caused a number of •v-nlnsions in Routers."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S DISPATCHES

London, October 15. Sir DouglM Haig reports: "On the British front south of the Lys only local actions occurred. Our patrols and advanced detachments made progress at certain points, taking prisonors. Local fighting in the neighbourhood of Erquinghem and south of Wcz Macquart resulted in prisoners, being taken."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ,

■ (Rec. October 16, 7.20 p.m.) London, October 15. Sir Douglas Eaig, in a dispatch dated 10.45 a.m., reports: "Tho Briti.ih attacked towards Courtrw. this morning and captured important villages. Tho total number of prisoners exceeds eight thousand. Six complete batteries, with teams, were captured. The Belgians and French also captured many important villages. The AUiftd airmen bombed hostile concentrations and trains, and machine-gunned the infantry, British monitors off the assisted. Numerous lires are reported behind the German lines."—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Iteuter.

(Rec. October 16, 10 p.m.) London, October 15. Sir DoiHas HniV reports: "We crossed the Haute Deule Canal on both sides of Poirt-a-Vendm, and captured Estevelles, Meurchin, and Bauvin. Further north we made progress in tho neighbourhood of Haubouruin. — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.

CONTINUED ADVANCE BY THE FRENCH

London, October 15. A French communique states: "Local operations improved our positions on the left bank of the Oise, in the region of Mount d'Origny (nine, miles east of St. Quentin). South of the Serre we occupied Monceau-les-Loups, and reached a point over half a mile south of Assis-sur-Serre. In co-opera-tion with the Italians wo captured and passed Sissonne. Further east, in spite of tho sharpest resistance, we made considerable progress on the north bank of the Aisne, and passed tho villages of La Malmaison, Lor, Le Thorn', and St. Germamniont. In the region of Asfeld' we crossed the Aisne at several points north of Balnzy."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

(Rec. October 16, 7.20 p.m.) London, October la. A French communique o'ated 4.10 p.m. states: "During the night-time and early morning we made progress at different points from south of the Serre. We captured Reims, Barenton, Cel Monceau-le-Vaast, west of Grand-Pre. We made progress beyond tho Aisne. ' We hold Clizy, and have taken prisoner over eight hundred here."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. I . ■ ■ ■' AMERICAN ADVANCE NORTH OF VERDUN : " London, October 15. An American communique' states: "Wo resumed the advance north of Verdun, against the f strongest and, strategically, the most valuable portions. We have passed beyond Cunel and Romagne. Our patrols are in the Bantheulle Wood, and our attacking line has penetrated the St. Gcorges-Landres-St. Georges lme. .We took 750 prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. ■'• . THE ENEMY'S REPORT London, October 15. A German official message states: "The enemy attacked on a wide front between Dixmude and the Lys. We stemmed the thrust."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ' (Rec. October 16, 7.20 p.m.) ■ London, October 15. A wireless German official report states: "The enemy in Flanders has renewed his attacks on a wide front, and captured Roulers, Handzaeme, "end Cortemarek."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE WAR IN THE AIR , London, October 15. Sir Douglas "Haig's aviation report states: "Mist and 'rain prevented air fighting. The weather improved at night, and we dropped twelve tons of bombs on important railway communications."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. ' . ALLIES POOLING THEIR AIRCRAFT . (Rec. October 16, 11 p.m.) • London, October 15. The Allies have reached an agreement to,use each country's _ aircraft production and resources to the utmost, results and .polling sup-plies.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WITH THE NEW ZEALANDERS (Special Dispatch from the New Zealand Correspondent.) October 11. Last night the troops advanced, -and after occupying Briastre, reached the River Selle, couth of Solesies. Two companies are already across the Selle. while others are along the »pposite bank, held up by raachiuc-gun fire from a hill beyond. Civilians were found in Briastre.

THE FINAL WORD TO GERMANY

PRESIDENT WILSON'S NOTE WIDELY ACCLAIMED WAY CLEAR,FOR THE KNOCK-OUT BLOJV New York, October 15. The German Note embodying the text of the President's reply to the German Note oi' October 12 has been handed to the Charge d'Affaires for Switzerland, who is in charge of German interests in the United States, and made public by the Secretary of State (Mr. Lansing). The Note requests the Swiss representative to forward its contents to the German Government. A paragraph in the Note (which wae published in The Dominion yesterday) says:— - "It is necessary, in order that there shall be no possibility of misunderstanding, that the President should very solemnly call the attention of the Government of Germany to the languago and plain intention of one of the terms of peace which the German Government has now accepted, follows: 'The destruction of every arbitrary power anywhere that can separately, secretly, and of its single choice disturb the peace of the world; or if it cannot be at .present destroyed, at least its reduction to virtual impotency. The power which has hitherto controlled the German nation is of the sort here described. It is within the choice of the German nation to alter it.' The President's words just quoted naturally constitute a condition precedent to peace, if peace is to come by the action of the German people themselves,"—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. PRESIDENT'S NOTE A DECISION, NOT A REPLY INTENSE SATISFACTION AND BELIEF IN AMERICA. Washir.gton, October 15. President Wilson's frank and straightforward declaration has been jeceived with the greatest demonstration of satisfaction and relief in Congress, in official and diplomatic circles, and throughout the country. It is significant that Mr. Lansing (Secretary of State) has made it clear that' President Wilson's Note is a decision, and not merely a reply, and does not permit of further discussion. Therefore, the war will be pressed with the greatest vigour until the enemy surrenders unconditionally. There is much comment on President Wilson's adroitness in countering the German move by pointing out that in accepting all the points and principles in his speeches since January Germany had practically agreed to "the destruction of every arbitrary power." Thus Germany's autocratic Government had signed its own death warrant. _ * Mr. W. 11. Taft, in an interview concerning President Wilson's answer to Germany, said: "Americans heard the President's reply to the German Note with a deep sigh of relief. The President declines an armistice while brutality is going on, and cites his speech of July 4, which makes the destruction of the Hohenzollerns a condition precedent to the. granting of peace to the Germans. Thus (the peace by negotiations which threatened is far removed. The All Highest must throw oft the mask. The battles goes on. The throne of the Hohenzollerns is forfeit. We should be profoundly thankful."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. \ "NO RELAXATION OR HESITATION NOW" PRESIDENT SEES VICTORY IN SIGHT. (Rec. October 16, 11 p.m.) Washington, October 15. President Wilson has issued a statement appealing for subscriptions to the Liberty Loan. He says:—"Relaxation or hesitation now would mean dofeat when victory seems to be in sight. It would mean years of war instead of peaco on our own terms."—Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. UNCOMPROMISING DECLARATION WELCOMED IN LONDON London, October 15. President Wilson's Note has been published in London. The public welcome its uncompromising declaration that conditions for an armistice must ho left to the Army chiefs, and also its stern denunciation of German atrocities. Mr. Uonnr Law states that it would bo unwise for any of the Allies to state the terms which should bo imposed on Germany before an armistice is granted. London, October 15. Lord Reading, in a speech at a luncheon to M; Pasitch, Serbian Premier, alluded to the terms of peace. He said: "Justice is merciful if there are extenuating circumstances, but it must bo stern if there aro none. Let us win the regard which is justly ours by the destruction of niilitarium." Mr. Arthur Henderson, in an interview, said that Germany must givo military and naval guarantees before an armistice ,was granted. Organised labour should throw its wholo weight on the side of President Wilson and Mr. Lloyd Gebrgo —Aus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn,

DECISION TO REST WITH FOCH AND THE NAVY (Rec. October 16, 9.40 p.m.) London, October 15. It is understood that Marshal Foch and the British Naval authorities ivill have a decisive voice in settling' the terms if an armistice should become expedient.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. NOTE REFLECTS THE VIEWS OF THE ALLIES (Rec. October 16, 11 p.m.) Washington, October 15. The Allies' military officials interpret President AVilson's reply as unconditional surrender by Germany.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . (Rec. October 16, 11.25 p.m.) London, October 15. Reuter's Agency learns that President 'Wilson's reply practically reflects the view of the entire Entente Powers. • -Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HINDENBURG INSPIRED THE ARMISTICE PROPOSAL Washington, October 15. It is officially learned that von Hindenburg, and not Prince Maximilian, asked the German Government to request an armistice from President Wil-son.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. INTENSIFIED SUBMARINE WARFARE (Rec. October 16, 10 p.m.) LondonfOctober 15. German Press comments on the reply to President Wilson reveal how wide is the gulf between the belligerents. In spite of Germany's _ avowed agreement with President Wilson's terms, the newspapers' comment is: "Armistice first, evacuation afterwards." The newspapers foreshadow lengthy pourparlers, after which, if unsuccessful from the German point of view, Germany will not be defenceless even after the evacuation. The statement that Germany is preparing for intensified submamie warfare is confirmed by various announcement's in Germany.- As an instance the "lleinische Westfaelische". assures its readers that the submarine warfare will reach its climax during the winter and produce an economic crisis iri the Entente countries of unexpected dimensions. ■ ■ - Captain Persius, writing in the "Tageblatt," speaks of an impending great increase in submarines, to which' Germany will confidently look should the Entente Powers refuse peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE SITUATION IN GERMANY 'A "BITTER END" HAIUFESTO. Amsterdam, October 15. The German Conservative Party, in a manifesto, denounces the evacuation proposal, and says: "Germany will be' defended to the- bitter end." Commenting on the Pan-German ;auti-Government campaign, the "Vorwaerts" declares that the Pan-Germans are planning a coup-de-main with a view to overthrowing the Government and- the Reichstag, and establishing a dictatorship which will continue the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable. Assn. THE REVOLT AGAINST KAISER AND ORQWN PRINCE. Berne, October 15. A Socialist Congress at Munich (Bavaria) . unanimously . demanded the "abdication of the Kaiser and the Crown Prince."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. Ootober 16; 7.40 p.m.) Amsterdam, October.ls. It is semi-officially denied in Berlin that the Kaiser intends to abdicate. —Reuter. A SIGN OF THE TIMES-GERMAN PRESS OUTSPOKEN (Rec. October 16, 7.40 p.m.) Berne, October 15. The German newspapers are extraordinarily outspoken in; discussing internal affairs.' The "Schwabeische- Tagewaeht" states: "We in future will speak with much less respect concerning Wilhelm, for the spirit of the German people is daily becoming more anti-monarchist." Many journals which were formerly Pan-German, >with annexationist sympathies, are now demanding that the authors of the submarine warfare be made publicly responsible for the crime and blunders which caused America's ■entry into the war.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BAVARIAN SOCIALISTS' DEMANDS. (Rec. Ootober 16, 7.20 p.m.) , Berne, October lo.i A meeting of the Bavarian Socialist Party passed a resolution urging the Reichstag to appoint a State Court to try all, even the highest, who -Tiaye been guilty of frustrating the peace efforts. The meeting also demanded selfgovernment for the German States—Reuter. BLANK DESPAIR IN GERMANY (Rec, October 16, 10 p.m.) ■. The Hague, October 15. Blank despair describes the German workers' outlook and the prospects of the country The workers were widely aware three months ago that the game was up, and are now irresistibly inclined to peace, and ready to overwhelm all obstacles. Pessimism broods over Germany like a thunder-cloud. The people on the German Western frontier are angrily asking why the Government does not conclude peace as the only way to stop the raids which are making life unendurable.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , THE REPLY TO TURKEY ' WILL DEMAND UNCONDITIONAL SURRENDER. London October 15. Britain's reply to Turkey will demand an unconditional surrender.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. __. REPLIES TO TURKEY AND AUSTRIA TO WAIT. •■ (Rec. October 16, 11 p.m.) . ~ / October 15. President Wilson will leave unanswered the Turkish and Austrian Peace Notes until there has been a further move on Goirniany's part—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.