RUMOURS OF GERMAN CAPITULATION

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 20, 18 October 1918, Page 5

RUMOURS OF GERMAN CAPITULATION

SENSATIONAL REPORTS OFFICIALLY DENIED

PEACE DEVELOPMENTS BREWING

COURTRAI CAPTURED

FRESH ADVANCE'IN THE WEST

Sensational Turnouts of a German capitulation and the abdication of the Kaiser were cabled from various sources overseas yesterday afternoon, but Tvith the evming messages came the official contradiction. The Botterdam "Co-want," a Duteh newspaper, gave currency to the rumours, but was. unable to get official confirmation of them, and so had to withdraw its bulletin. Apart from these contradictory statements there is a general feeling that great developments are impending; that the Gorman people are really, done with the war, and that the end may be far off. Statements by Mr. Balfo'ur and Mr. Asquith to-day couvey that impression. The main obsession of 'the Gorman prisoners captured on the "Western front is to hear whether.the armistice i« a faot. In the meantime the great Western battles—they are described colleotively this morning as a drive—continue. Substantial progress is i reported from the Flanders front. Courtrai has been captured, Lille is tottering, and 12,000 prisoners have been captured.

NO FOUNDATION FOR RUMOURS OF '"■ GERMAN CAPITULATION ■ SIGNS POINT TO IMPORTANT DEVELOPMENTS • PRESIDENT WILSON'S PEACE WEDGE , By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright Sydney, October 17. The following Reuter message, dated October 16, 5.15 p.m., has been received:— The Rotterdam "Courant" announces that Germany has capitulated and that tha Kaiser has abdicated. A second Reuter message from London, via Vancouver, says:— "The Foreign Office is without confirmation of the repots of the Kaiser's abdication, but well-informed oircles are not disposed to reject them. i ABDICATION RUMOURS IN FRANCE. New York, October 16. The .French Press reports rumours that the Kaiser will abdiqato iii favour of his grandson 'William (son of the Grown Prince).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■'■-.'"■ Vanoouver, October 16. "" The London correspondent of the United Press states: "There are unconfirmed reports that Berlin has accepted President Wilson's conditions, in order to safeguard the German people."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable 'Assn. (Reel Ootober 17, 5.5 p.m.) New York, October 16. The New York "Times" Hague corrrespondent cables: "I can state authoritatively that' Germany's answer to President Wilson will say that she accepts his terms, provided Germany's interests and those of her people are guaranteed."-<Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . LONDON MESSAGES. . London, October 16. It is reported that Germany is replying, accepting President Wilson's general conditions- , ■ _ Advices from Amsterdam say that Germany's reply to.President Wilson is expected to-night, and that it will accept the terms.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. , OPINION IN LONDON MR. BALFOUR: "GERMAN PEOPLE HAVE GIVEN UP." London, October 16. The British Foreign Office is not disposed to reject the rumours retarding the abdication of the Kaiser. . Mr. A. J. Balfour, speaking at'the National Liberal Club, said: "Germany's overtures are sincere. They come from the people, who have given up." . • . ' I Mr. Bonar Law, in the House of Commons, replying to Mr. Houston, said it was undesirable to discuss piecemeal the conditions upon which alone an armistice can be granted to Germany. ■ Replying in the House of Commons to Mr. Runciman, Mr. Bonar Law said he oould not discußS the German-American communications until a definite decision was taken. Mr. Winston Churchill, speaking at Manchester, said the Allies wholeheartedly endorsed President Wilson's reply.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MR. ASQUITH ON THE OUTLOOK GERMAN PEOPLE HAVE. "GIVEN UP THE GAME." (Rec. Ootober 18, 0.20 a.m.) London, October 16. Mr. Asquith, speaking at the National Liberal Club, said that though the war was not ended the enemy's resistance was broken and we might confidently say that our purposes would bo attained. We had been delivered from evils by which the world.was beset. The British Navy's ceaseless vigilance had drained-drop by drop the enemy's reservoir of power. The enemy's overtures were sincere in the sense that, they came from people who had given up the game. President Wilson's reply was exactly what was required. "We mustTnot," ho said, "imperil our ascendancy on sea or land or givo breathing time to the enemy, who cannot be trusted to act honourably or humanely. We never intended to humiliate or destroy the German people. Our main objective was to destroy Prussian militarism. "We must be sure that the new German Government is not the old Government dressed in democratic garb."—Aus-N.Z. Cable Assn. CAPITULATION OFFICIALLY DENIED ROTTERDAM "COURANT" WITHDRAWS ITS STATEMENT (Rec. October-17, 10.30 p.m.) London, October 16. It is officially denied that Germany has capitulated.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Reufer states: "The Foreign Office at ten o'clock to-night stated that it had no official information on the subject of the reported Gorman capitulation. A message from Amsterdam states that the Rotterdam "Courant" has been unable to obtain confirmation of its previous report, and has _ withdrawn the bulletin reporting the capitulation of Germany and the abdication of the Kaiser." TENSE ATMOSPHERE IN LONDON ON THE EVE OF BIG DEVELOPMENTS. London, October 16. This morning the atmosphere was tense in expectation of big events, and there were mixed feelings of elation and anxiety. Although the general expectation is that the fighting will shortly terminate, thero is completo public determination that France and Britain shall dictate the terms, even if another campaign is necessary. President Wilson's reply is interpreted to mean that General Foch must dictate the conditions, which will include the handing over of part of the German frontier fortresses and perhaps ihe surrendorof the German Army. Then will come lengthy negotiations for peace, which may collapse on Buoh points as the freedom of the seas, no indemnity, and *lui return of the colonies.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable; ABsn,

THE PRESIDENT'S STRATEGY A PEACE WEDGE BETWEEN AUSTRIA AND GERMANY. October 18, 1 a.m.) Montreal, October 16. The New York "Times" Washington correspondent states: "President Wilson's programme for dealing with the Central Powers contemplates driving a wedge between Austria and Germany. President Wilson regards Austria as a vassal of Germany .in military matters, and therefore the Note sent to Germany does not apply to Austria. President Wilson's reply to Austria is being held in abeyance because it is expected that both Austria and Turkey will soon release their alliance with Germany, as it does not bring them either political or military gain. Some authorities at Washington expeot either a split between Austria and Germany or the breaking up rf the Dual Monarchy of Austria-Hungary."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. WANTED, AN ALLIED PEACE COUNCIL FOR COMMON POLITICAL ACTION. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. The newspapers unanimously applaud President Wilson's Note, which interprets with remarkable aocuracy the mind of all the Allies. It is pointed out in some quarters that the absence of 'an organisation and machinery for common Allied political action, analogous to the Versailles Council for war purposes, presents a danger which the enemy may attempt to exploit in order to divide the Allies. The difficulties- of joint action are increased owing at present to thers being no American Ambassador in London and no British Ambassador at Washington.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Aasn. FINANCIAL BAROMETER OF EVENTS LONDON QUIET, BERLIN IN A PANIC London, October 16. _ ' Business on the; Stock Exchange is quiet. Consols are quoted at £60 os. Prices for other gilt-edged securities are generally firm. Lloyds are charging 42 per cent, for payment of total loss in the event of peace being declared before December 31, and 63 per cent, if declared before March 31.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PRESIDENT'S REPLY DISORGANISES BERLIN STOCK EXCHANGE. Amsterdam, October 14. President Wilson's reply resulted in a panio on the Berlin Stock Ex-change.—Aus.-N.Z. .Cable Assn. MEETING OF GERMAN SUPREME COMMAND TO TAKE STOCK OF RESOURCES. Amsterdam, October 16. It is announced that the German Supreme Command will meet at the week-end to deliberate on the mobilisation of the national strength, and the raising of the military age.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' " ANTI-HOHENZOLLERN DEMONSTRATIONS IN BERLIN. ' (Rec. October 17, 7.80 p.m.) London, October 16. The ."Daily Mail's" correspondent states that violent anti-dynastic manifestations are occurring at Berlin. Largo crowds paraded in the Unter Den Linden, made demonstrations before the Palace, and smashed the Hohenzollern statues. The police were powerless to suppress the demonstration — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. . , DISAFFECTION. AND MUTINY IN GERMAN ARMY. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. Dutch leports state that the Germans aro crossing the frontior into Limburg. They state that disaffection and mutiny are spreading in the Army, which is now onb/ half trustworthy.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. PEACE AND WAR POWERS FOR THE REICHSTAG. (Rec. October 17, 10.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 16. The German Federal Council has a greed to alter the constitution in order to make the Reichstag's assent necessary for a declaration of war and the'signing of peace.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. GERMAN PRISONERS ASK ABOUT THE ARMISTICE (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. The Havas Agency on the Flanders front reports that German prisoners are continually asking if the armistice has yet been signed. They are agreed that the Kaiser must go, and say that the Crown Prince does not count. "We don't bother about him."—Reuter. INTENSE IMPRESSION IN GERMANY , (Rec. October 17, 10.30 p.m.) Amßtordam, October 16. President Wilson's reply has caused an intense impression in Germany. The papers point out that it had the effect of a cold douche on the German hopes of peace engendered by the first Note. Some newspapers comment in the sharpest terms, and say President Wilson's language has become oxcited. The Socialists, late on Tuesday, decided, in viewof the situation, that Prince Max must continue in the Chancellorship. It is expected that Prince Max will make a decision to-day on President Wilson's latest Note. Owing to the obscurity of the situation the Reiohstag will notmeet to-day. The Commander of the Germany army at Antwerp has notified the Dutch authorities that one hundred thousand fugitives are going to Holland.—Aus.-N.Z'. Cable Assn. OPEN INSURRECTION IN BOHEMIA » Washington, October 16. French official cable messages say that open insurrection has started at Prague.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asßn. AUSTRIAN-POLISH DEPUTIES BREAK FINALLY WITH PARLIAMENT. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) ' Berne, October 16. The Austrian-Polish deputies have decided never again to enter the Austrian Parliament, and have left for Warsaw.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. October 17, 10.80 p.m.) Berne, October 16. A general strike at Prague (the capital of Bohemia), initiated by the Czech-Slovak Council, in order to resist the export of food,'has developed into open revolt. The strikers routed the police. Troops were assembled and armed with machine-guns and grenades. These barred the streets and cut off all communication with Prague.—"The Times." TO OVERAWE THE TURKS TWENTY GERMAN-OFFICERED WARSHIPS AT CONSTANTINOPLE. Berne, October 16. • It is reported that twenty warships from the Black Sea, commanded by Germans, have assembled at Constantinople to protect the Young Turks and prevent the Government surrendering. The excitement is indesoribable — "The Times." NO DIRECT OVERTURES FROM TURKEY. (Rec. October 17, 7.80 p.m.) London, October 16. The nowspapora point out that although Turkey has approached America regarding the quostion of peace there have been no direct overtures. The question of a reply from Britain does r.ot arise. No doubt Germany has persuaded Turkey not to send a direct proposal.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. YOUNG TURK INTRIGUES. (Roc. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. Tlio "Daily News" Zurich correspondent states that owing to the Young Turku' inl,rij/,iion mid llin German menaces Towfik Pasha and Isset Pasha havefailed In I'linii a Cabinet. The Sultan is determined not to restore tho Young Turk rnf/.iimi, Tim hitler and the Germans are trying to effect the formation of it coalition Cabinet. A miniature fleet of old Russian warships is lying oiiMlriu Oniinl./iiiliiionlo, and has semi-ofßcially informed the Sultan that it would bunibiini l-lift en pi Ul in the event of a separate peace being attempted,—Aus.N.Z, Cable Aiinn, (Rec. October 17, 11 p.m.) London, October 16. It in roportcd from Constantinople that the pro-Entente Party has demanded tho court-martialling of Enver Pasha and Djemal Pasha. Simultaneously influential politicians have requested the Sultay to impeach the members of the former Cabinet—.United Service.

: THE BIG DRIVE IN THE WEST FURTHER RETREAT OF THE GERMANS 12,000 PRISONERS IN TWO DAYS London, October 16. " The British havo oaptured Courtrai and Menin, and the Allies have.adTanced a mile on the whole Flanders front, capturing inost important ground. The Germans south-west of Lille are retiring upon the Hnute-Doule Canal. Wo have reached the proximity of the enemy's ohief lateral railway from Thourout via Thielt to Ghent, and, consequently, the Germans are thrown hack upon the railway from Ostend through Bruges and Ghent to _ Brussels for lateral communications, which is awkward for them owing to its nearness to the Dutch frontier. The enemy's line north-east of Lille is becoming very critical, and an early withdrawal from it is anticipated—Renter. THE SITUATION AT OSTEND FURTHER SIGNS OF EVACUATION. Amsterdam, October 16. There are further signs of evacuation of the Ostend- region. -Reports from Antwerp indicate that the Germans are about to send German ships from Antwerp to Holland for internment.—Atis.-N.Z. Cable Assn. BRITISH MONITOR REACHES THE BREAKWATER, ] London, October 16. A British monitor at Ostend reached the' breakwater and bilenced Bome | oi the forts.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' ' ' I . I SILENCE. REIGNS AT ZEEBRUGGE. • London, October 16. , Silence Teigns at Zeehrugge, from where the largest destroyers on a recent stormy night sailed for Germany.—"The Times." EIGHT GERMAN DIVISIONS HURLED BACK BROKEN OPERATIONS DEVELOPING INTO A DRIVE. London, October U. Router's correspondent at British Headquarters states: "The Allies advanced amazingly, well, though fighting was obstinate in places. The prisoners are expected to largely exceed eleven thousand, which was the total,yesterday morning, and the guns a hundred. Roulers was found to be undamaged. Twelve hundred inhabitants were liberated. -Since Sunday morning eight German divisions havo been flung back broken, while probably ell or most of the reserve divisions behind them havo had heavy gruelling. This has not been a 'battle of limited objectives.' It has rather been a drive. • The French light tanks have done extraordinary service. The Germans anticipated the employment of tanks, cavalry, and armoured cars in the event of the Allies breaking through, for all the trees on the roadsides had been felled and laid across the paths, and every canal crossing was destroyed."—Renter. IMPORTANT SUCCESSES ALONG THE WHOLE LINE (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) .... London, October 16. Mr. Philip Gibbs writes: "The Anglo-Franco-Belgian attack has gained important successes along the whole line. It is interesting to note that the number of prisoners captured is almost equally between the three Allied armies, making twelve thousand altogether. Tho British contribution is 3723, exclusive of wounded men, and also fifty guns. The German maohinegunners at Roulers did not surrender until they were entirely out. off. When their fire was finally silenced old women, haggard and pale, and men in peasants' clothes, came from the cellars crying, 'We are 6aved!' The German prisoners seemed to be well informed about recent events. Their constant refrain was: 'We want peace 1' "—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE GERMAN RETREAT FROM THE LAON-AISNE FRONT MAY PROVE MOST COSTLY OPERATION. (Rec. October 17, 10.30 p.m.) London, October 16. Renter's correspondent at French Headquarters states: "Our continued advance on tho Laon-Aisno front has dissipated aiiy German hope of standing on the prepared Sorre-Sissonc-Rethel lino. Tho French troops have been figntiiig incessantly for threo woeks, most of them with only brief rests since spring, but they scout the idea of an armistice. They know that what prevents tho enemy from retreating rapidly is his inability to escape without disastrous loss from the tentaclos which Marshal Foch has thrown round him. The German retirement technically haß been well conducted. Ho has got most of his material awaj', but it is blocking the roads for the retreating troops, and hence the pace of the retreat has been compulsorily slackened and may prove the costliest operation tho German command has yet attempted."—Renter.

CORALLING AND POCKETING TACTICS. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. The Havas Agency on the Flanders front states: "Owing to tlie unsuitability of the swampy ground hereabouts, 'the British are not using tanks, but the French tanks are doing great service. The Allies' combined attajck already threatens the Germaus in the coastal region between Nieuport ?.nd 'Ostend. They must hurriedly withdraw from this narrow corridor otherwise the door will be slammed on them. More to the southward our advance towards Courtrai puts the enemv in the Lille neighbourhood into a deep pocket, while Douai is almost encircled."—Reuter. . GERMAN RETREAT IN LILLE REGION . (Rec. October 17, 11 p.m.) London, October 16. The Americaus have captured Grand-Pre. The enemy is retreating Eouth-west of Lille,and west of Carvin, and also immediately west of Lille, where we have reached the outskirts of Hauberdin. In Flanders wo captured Bulst, and Bavicheve.—Renter. . ■ ■ . . THE GERMAN EVACUATION OF LAON e RECENT STATEMENT CORRECTED. (Eec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) , London, October 16. Mr. George Perris writes: "It is incorrect to say that the Germans took hostages from Laon during the retreat. Twenty-four of the inhabitants, including twelve women, were deported, in January and interned on the/pretext that France had acted in a similar manner in Alsace, but these were returned to Laon or repatriated to Franco jn April in accordance with the ' Berne agreement. The Mayor of Laon was removed on Saturday, not us _a hostage, but ostensibly to give an account of his stewardship of the American Belief /Committee. Evidently the'real reason of. his removal was to prevent him from speaking to his countrymen. Three hundred mobilisable men were also taken. The American Relief Committee alone prevented actual starvation at Laon."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ■ FAMISHING FUGITIVES DRIVEN FROM NORTHERN FRANCE (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) Amsterdam, October 16. The Germans are driving out tons of thousands of famishing fugitives, without anything, from Northern France. They are not permitted to enter Brussels. The Germans are also stripping the Belgian railways of zinc, copper, and other metals.-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. HARD BATTLE ON THE AMERICAN FRONT Now York, October 16. Mr. Edwin James, writing of the American operations, says the. recent advance was made against tho greatest concentration of machine-guns the Germans have yet utilised on the American front. The slippery sides of Hill 299 and the rest of Bantheville were scaled by General Pershing's men, and held against tho bitterest counter-attacks. The battle for the positions in the Bois Chatillon lasted all day, with heavy German losses. American observers flew at a height of 300 yards over the enemy's lines.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) Washington, October 16. The Americans west of tho Mouse are slowly cutting through tho Kreimhilde line, after a savage battle in which the French and Italian troops co-operated. The French gains in the Rethel neighbourhood are notably sssistiug the progress of the Americans.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. (Rec. October 17, 10.30 p.m.) Montreal, October 16. Mr. James, correspondent with the American Army, cables that the Americans drove deeper into the Kreimhilde line north of Verdun, captured Juvin, and advanced boyond the enemy's second line.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FIVE MILLION AMERICANS IN FRANCE NEXT YEAR (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) Washington, October 16. The Military Deficiency Bill; providing for £1,200,000,000, has been reported to the House of Representatives. It is intended as a financial preliminary to tho dispatch of an army of five million men to France in 1919. It i 6 iutended to keep eighteen divisions ready for overseas and eighteen divisions constantly in training at home.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable As6n.

SITUATION EXTRAORDINARILY FAVOURAB&E 'BUT ANOTHER SEDAN NOT IMMEDIATELY' PROBABLE. (Rec. October 17, 7.30 p.m.) London, October 16. General Maurice writes: "The military situation is extraordinarily favourable, but I do not seo any immediate likelihood of another and greater Sedan, .'{ Sir Douglas Haig's victory of October 8 compelled a German withdrawal to I the Hunding-Krehnhildo line, just as his victory of September 8 compelled the withdrawal to the Hindcnburg line. The second retreat is not yet complete. The Americans northward of Verdun are breaching- the- Kreimhilde j line, the French at Sissone are breaking in the Hunding line, andHhe-British .i at Le Cateau and Solesmes are menacing the . northern. extension of ,the j Hunding system, but on the'whole tho German withdrawal has been well.car- j ried out. There is no sign that their fighting spirit is broken, though it has j been sensibly weakened. The enemy 1 s delaying actions, together with the util- j isation of many railways which are not shown on the ordinary maps, make Sedans difficult of accomplishment. Meanwhile Marshal Foch's power of at- I tacking everywhere is daily increasing."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS ' 1 ■ \ 12,000 PRISONERS SINCE OCTOBER 14 London, October 16 Sir Douglas Haig reports: "The Allied forces under the King of the Belgians continued the attack, and the Belgians reached the approaches to Wynendaele Wood and Thourout. The French reached the outskirts of Lichtervelde. Further south, despito lively resistance, they pushed beyond the RouI» ers-Litchtervelde railway. Southwards of the canal the Belgians captured Lendelede. The Second British Array reached Lech-am, tB-ptured GuHeKhen. \ and HeuJe, readied the outskirts of Courtrai, and occupied Menin and Wer- j vicq, where it gained a footing on the right hank of the Lys. Since October 1 14 the Allies have taken 12,000 prisoners, and captured over a hundred ! guns."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ' j (Rec. October 18, 1 a.m.) ■ . j London, October 17. j As the result of a successful local operation in tho'Sello valley wo cap-. 1 tured Haussy. The enemy continues his withdrawal from the Douai-Lille j front. We are closely following, and have readied, a general line from Oig- 1 I uies to Carvin, Allenhes le St. Tarais, Maugre, and Capingheni. Sharp fight- I ing ocourred between the enemy rearguards and our advanced detachments, j We took prisoners. The British Second Army, under General Plumer, co- ] operating with the Franco-Belgians, has advanced eight miles during the past ; three days. During this period, in spite of strong opposition, this army has j captured Comines, Wervicq, Menin, Wevelghem, Heule, and Cuerney, and I secured the northern position at Courtrai. The left bank of tho Lys is now j cleared of the enemy as far as north-east of Harlebeko. To-day we crossed j the Lys between Armentieres and Menin. In the towns and villages captured I by the Second Army many civilians were freed. Over four thousand of the | enemy were taken prisoner, and upwards of 150 guns were captured."—Aus.» j N.Z. Cable,Assn.-Reuter. .] THE BELGIAN COMMUNIQUE I ' London, October 16. A Belgian communique states: "The French and Belgians continue to ad-, vance on the whole front. In an attack on the left the Belgians advanced several kilometres northwards of the Handzaeme-Cortemarck railway. In the centre, the French carried tho whole of the Hooglede Plateau, and captured' Gits and Gitsberg. French cavalry'crosßed the Roule'rs-Thburout" Road,'" and advanced towards Lichtervclde. On the right, the Belgians, co-operating with the British operating further south, captured Worckerlkoeck and Lendelede, and reached the railway from Courtrai to Ingelmunster.' Over 7000 prisoners' have been counted and 80 guns. The Belgians captured a complete regimental staff."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ' FURTHER PROGRESS BY THE FRENCH London, October 16. . A French communique states: "North of the Aisne we:advanced in the region of Arsonville. We skirt the southern bank of the Serreas.far as Pou-illy-sur-Serre, which is in our hands. We made progress north-west of Mar- ■ chais, taking four hundred prisoners. Further east wo. captured Laselye- and Nisylecomte. West of Grand-Pre we bold the Vouzieros-Grand-Pre Road. In this region we took an additional 400 prisoners."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. (Rec. October 17, 10.30 p.m.) London, October 16. A French communique states: "We made slight progress at night north of Sissone and north of Ashfeld. Wo checked a violent counter-attack in the region of St. Oorman Mont. South-west of Bethel we captured the vol- v lage of Acy."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. THE AMERICAN ADVANCE ON THE MEUSE London, Ootober 16. An American communique states: "We continued our attacks on both sides of the Meuse, which were stubbornly resisted by a reinforced enemy. East of the Meuse the French and Americans gained ground. West of the river the fighting has violently increased. We made substantial gains, inoluding Hill 299, which changed hands three times. We broke the Kreimhilde line at new points, where there was haua-to-hand fighting."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.Reuter. THE ENEMY'S REPORT "■" : London, Ootober' 16. A German official report states:'"The enemy continued his attacks In the fighting front in Flanders, and attained, some limited territorial advantages." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. Ootober 17, 10.30 p.m.) London, October 16. 'A wireless German official report s tatos:—"The enemy penetrated beyond the Iseghem-Courtrai railway line. We withdrew-.somewhat westward and south-west of Lille. We evacuate d a small salient position' between Olizy and Grand-Pre, along the Aisne, toward Mouron."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable, Assn. THE WAR IN THE AIR GOOD DAY ON THE BRITISH FRONT. London, October 16. Sir Douglas Haig's aviation report states: "Fine weather enabled us to make great activity all day. Our bomhers caused great damage on railway stations and junctions' in the rear of the enemy's lines, obtaining many direct hits and starting numerous fires in railway sheds. A;y total .of 33 tons of bombs' was dropped. German aeroplanes were active northern battlefront, where heavy fighting ensued. Wo destroyed thirty hostile machines, and ' drove down six out of control."-Aus.rN.Z. Cable Assn r -Reuter. ' THE INDEPENDENT AIR HAIDERS. London, October 16. The Press Bureau reports: "The Independent Air Force's operations were hindered by thick mist, clouds, and rain, but wo attacked the Frescaty aerodrome. One bomb dropped from a height of forty feet, pierced the roof of a Zeppelin shed, and another wrecked a hangar. The mechanics who ran out-after the explosions, were attacked by machine-guns."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. WITH THE FRENCH SQUADRONS. . 16. A'French aviation communique states: "Our reconnaissance aeroplanes observed innumerable fires kindled by the enemy in the whole territory where hefietr eating. Our night-flyers, desPte fog clouds, dropped six , tons of bombs on important B tations."-Aus..N.Z. Gable Assn.-Reuter. _ New York, October 16. Belgian cavalry are within a mile of Thielt. British troops have entered the suburbs of Lille. Tho French havo reached the outskirts of Rethel (where the Reims-Mezieres railway crosses the Aisne).—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.