OFFICIAL NEWS. The German Version.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 April 1917, Page 2

OFFICIAL NEWS.

The German Version.

LONDON, April 98.

The German official version or me raid says: Our destroyers advanced towards the mouth of the Thames, ana effectively fired 650 shots at short range at Dover and the Calais fortresses.

Not sighting the enemy on their return a portion of the force turned back and re-cruised and encountered British destroyers.

Sharp engagements followed at short distances. One of the enemy vessels was torpedoed and others artilleried and heavily damaged. One was probably supnk. A portion of our forces advanced towards (the Thames, but did not meet the enemy, hut only merchantmen. Prisoners were captured.

The British Admiralty now denies 1 that any British vessel was sunk or even seriously damaged. The only British contacting force consisted of the | two destroyers, who wero the leaders. . t The engagement lasted only a few j, minutes. The remnant of the enemy . escaped by fleeing among merchantmen. . The prisoners claimed to have captured . were three of the crew of an abandoned ; . bargo. Losses Admitted. 1 - l LONDON, April 29. i A 'German official message admits 3 that after the Naval engagement during the night of April 20-21 cast of Dov er the destroyers G7B and G 42 are rc- } ported as lost. L 1 THE ALLIES’ WANTS l - Mr Balfour’s Reception (Received April 24, at 10.35 a,m.) i Washington, April 23 | Thera wag a wonderful wave of ( spontaneous enthusiasm to greet Hon , A. J. Balfour and party. Thousands i lined the streets. The Allies’ immediate demands from United States are food Mono. The despatch of an expeditionary army to Europe is aoaeaaasary iu the immediate future, Mr Balfour, accompanied by his suite, drove to the State Department to call on Mr Linsiag. Sir Spring Rice made the presentation. Afterwards Mr Lansing and Mr Balfour called on Mr Wilson, Mr Balfour smiling as he noticed a sn - 1 fragetie picket ou either side of White House entrance. The meeting of the President and Mr Balfour was simple, but extremely cordial. M66tingg of the naval and jilitary members of the entourage were held with. American departmental fceade. German Cruiser Launched. London, April 22 Berlin announces that a great orniser haa bsea launched. It is named Maokensen, by the Kaiser’s orders. United Stages and Turkey. (Received April 24, at 9.15 3.m.) Washington. April 23 Turkey has broken off relations with tbe United States. Reprisal Wanted. (Received April 24, at 9.50 a.tn,) London, April 23 The Daily Mail states unless an ultimatum is sent to the GermanSj Laou Cathedral will be destroyed in ten days. The paper proposes - that Germany be informed that Cologne Cathedral will be destroyed as a reprisal. i

A New Governor.

[REUTER’S SERVICE.—-COPYRIGHT.]

Amsterdam, April 23

General Fakeuhausen has beeD appointed Governor-General of Belgium.

Attack on Calais

[REUTER’S 6ERVIOB. COPYRIGHT..]

Paris, April 22

German destroyers fired 100 shells at Calais on the night of tbe 20th-l Ist* Some civilians were killed and a dozen wounded.

In Macedonia

(Admiralty—per Wireless Press)

[EEUTEH’S SERVICE. COPYRIGHT.]

London, April 22

German official.—Fighting has revived at the Cerna Band, south-west-ward of Doiran Lake.

Bond Bill Passed.

Washington, April 23

Tbe Bond Bill passed the conferences of the House and Sen?.tß and awaits the President's signature,]

Another British Advance

Wellington, April 24 The High Commissioner reports London, April 23, at 1.15 p.m; General Haig reports an attack on a wide front on both si J es of the Scarpa is proceeding satisfactorily and progress has been made southwards of Bapautne-Uambrai road. We captured the remainder of the village of Trexcault at night end gained a greater part of Huvrincourt wood.

French Progress

Wellington, April 24

The Hgh OornmiasioLer repoits London 23rd April at 2.55 p.m.:—« A French official message states there is great artiilerying southwards of St Qieutin between Soisaons and Reims. *

In Champagne a strong German attack yesterday, northeastwards of Monnthant was broken by our artillery and machine gun fire.