The War News.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 28 August 1914, Page 5

The War News.

SATURDAY ! The abandonment of Brussels is the most striking item of war news I to-day. It is stated that the retirement of the Belgian army was tactically necessary and had been anticipated for some dava. The con- j centration. of the allied forces is now j complete. This was made possible ! by the heroic defence of the Belgians | The allies defeated the Germans with heavy losses at Tirleaiont. Following upon the rejection of the demands by Japan, Germany has offered immediately to cede Kiau<shauto China. This proposal has been communicated tv tho Government of tbe United States. It is understood that the United Scates lias replied tha f, it c.mnot undertake to act as trustee for the transfer, unless Great Britain and Japan consent to the arrangement, MONDAY Thn anxiously-awaited movemeut of the Russian armies upon the German and Austrian frontiers has commenced. It is reported that both Prussia and Austria have been invaded by the armies of the Tsar. The Servian movement upon Southern Austria continues, and a victory is reported. Huge sums have been demanded by the Germans as " tribute " from the occupied Belgian cities. There has been severe fighting between the French and Germans all along the Franco German frontier; bitter and sanguinary conflicts have taken place in Alsace. [Neither side appears to have gained any noteworthy advantage. In the Adriatic Sea, the French have destroyed a modem Austrinn battleship. An American steamer trading to Copenhagen lias been sunk through striking a mine. TUESDAY Germany has failed to check the Russian advance in East Piussia. The armies of the T>ar have won successes in the north-east corner of Germany, one of them of great stategic value, and the troops which have crjssed the German frontier from Russian Poland are threatening the German lines of commmunication. In Belgium tbe allied forces have taken up a strong position, half a million troops have occupied a triangle, described as being excellontly suited for artillery operations.

Japan has declared war upon Germany, and the Mikado has issued a proclamation commanding the Japanese Army and Navy to carry on hostilities against Germany with all their strength.

Accounts of the fighting at Mulhausen ou August 8 and 9 show that ths Fiench were opposed by an overwhelming force of Germans Conflicts involving, terrible loss of lives continued until . nightfall on both days, and the Germans ultimately took possession of the town theie were dead and -wounded at every tt-eet corner and beneath the archways. WEDNESDAY Cablegrams show that serious fighting ia proceeding orer an extended battle line in the South of Belgium. A message from the High Commissioner for New Zealand states that the British troops have met the Germans, that the German losses are considerable, while the British casualties were not heavy. The British troops were skilfully handled, and their movements were not effectively harassed by the enomy. The Germans sought to pass the French left wing which is guarding the frontier of France. In the resulting battle both sides lost heavily, but the French turned defence into attack, and In conjunction with the British troops are fighting the Gers mans in the vicinity of Mons. At Charleroi the French were also successful, driving ths Germans northward. rlamur is repDrted to have fallen to the Qercuaus. The Allied troops pontiuue to occupy their paginal line of defence, fulfilling the duty assigned to them of keeping the Germans engaged on the FrancoBelgian frontier while the Russians are prosecuting their successes on the eastern frontiers of Germany. *^SHpping in the Nonth Sea has assumed its normal course, the waters having been swept fairly clear of the German mines. Japan has already commenced the bombardment of Kiau-Chau in China. THURSDAY Record of fighting in Belgium still incomplete, "but cablegrams state tnat'tlie British troqps upheld their- reputation during 36. |iQU.rs! engagmnerit with a superior force at Moris. Earl Kitchener has congratulated the commanders on their skill, and the soldiers on their splendid gallantly. The British losses totalled 2000. Antwerp, well guarded by land and sea, was attacked by a £epp,elin dropping ' bombs into the city doing but little damage. Belgium guns brought the valuable airship' down. '. The Germans in East Prussia

A WEEK'S °SUMMARY.

have abandoned their fortified position, and retreated before the Russians, leaving road strewn with shells, cartridges and knapsacks. FRIDAY The Russian troops are steadily advancing into Germany and Austria and the allies are holding the Germans firmly on French border High Commissioner for N.Z. reports in recent fighting Germans suffered tremendous losses. Refuges and wounded state that 150,000 of the best German troops were pitted against the British. The Germans disregarded life and made tremendous sacrifices, but their artillery fire and bayonet charges were inferior to the British. The German authorities in Togoland have surrendered unconditionally to the British. The Belgians have again shown their gallantry in a fierce fight at Malines, Germans losing 2000.