FRIDAY

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 20 May 1915, Page 3

FRIDAY

Furious Battle at Ypres - Great Endurance of British—Russian Stand near Libau — German Forces Driven Back

Eye-witness" with the British headquarters describes a furious battle fought before Ypres during the week-end, when the Germans made a determined effort to break the British front, and forestall the allies' offensive north of Arras. At one time the British front was actually pierced and German troops poured i through the gap, reaching Wieltje, north-east of St. Jean. A successful counte-attack was made by the British, and the l?f my was swept out of Wieltje at the point of the bayonet. The German invaders of the Russian Baltic provinces are now

m retreat. They have been driven out of Shavli, which is about 100 miles from 'Libau, and are being closely pressed by the Russians.

In West Galicia the Russians have had to withdraw to position 20 miles east of their previous lines, while in East Galicia they are pressing a vigorous offensive with success, having driven the enemy from the left bank of the Dniester.

The Austrians are losing heavily in vain endeavours to dislodge the Russians from the Carpathians.

. The United States is reported to have addressed an emphatic Note to Germany, asking Gei.many to account for the loss of American lives on the Lusitania, and for the violation of American rights in the war zone. It further asks^ for guarantees against repitition, and contains an intimation that the United States is prepared to meet any eventuality arising from Germany's non-compliance.