THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 11 December 1917, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT.

HAIG’S BErOBT. LONDON December 9. Marshal Haig reports: There were outpost eJicounter s west of Graincourt. An attempted raid southward of Lens wns repulsed. Enemy artillery is more active in the Messines sector. Aeroplanes bombed hostile billets. A COMING MOVE. ' LONDON December 9. Newspapers interpret Czernin’s hints a s an indication that Austrians may par tieipato in the operatons on the western front. HINDENBURG’S DESIGNS. TO CRUSH THE ALLIES. A PUNGENT STATEMENT. (Received this day at 12.30 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, Dec. 10. Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff conferred with Heri Hertling regarding the terms to be imposed on Russia; also llindenburg’s new scheme to smash the British, French’ and Italians, before the Americans were effective. There is a continued great rush of men and material westward reported. General Hindenburg is reported to have said: “If we sign peace at Paris we can force almost - any terms on the French and British.” FRENCH REPORT. PARIS, Dec. 10. A French communique says: Fairly lively artillery actions have occurred at Sapegnul, Maison de Champagne, on the right of the Men.se. BRITAIN AND HOLLAND. TAUSTRALIAN A N.Z. CABI.E ASSOCIATION] & REUTER.] (Received This Dav at 9.80. a.m.] LONDON December 10. A white paper has been issued showing corespondence between Britain and Holland regarding the latter’s action in refusing to allow defensively armed mer chantmen to enter the harbour, show that Britain is holding Netherlands responsible for the losses of (British ships trading to Holland, which- have been obliged to forego tho right of self defence. Hon A. J. Balfour said Holland’s rule is unnecessary and unneutral and was not adopted by any other neutral with the possible exception of Carranza’s Government.