WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 13 September 1917, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY. Attack on Russia—French Gains near Verdun—Austrian Apprehensions—New Exposure of German Guile. The German Baltic fleet, reinforced by portion of the High Sea neet, is reported to be sailing north. The Russian fleet is preparing for action, and the sailors have expressed their determination to fight to the last shell. The Russian Grand Dukes and several other notables are to be deported owing to the discovery of a plot to arrest the Provisional Government and place Grand Duke Michael on the throne. The French delivered an attack §^>n a front of two miles on the j^ast bank of the Meuse, north of ly^rdun. After heavy fighting fP^ey captured one wood and a line dominating another. •The Italian victories have greatly alarmed- the Austrian military authorities, who are beginning to. realise the possibility of the allies aiming a colossal blow against Austria. The American State Department has made another exposure of German guile by publishing despatches sent by the German charge d'affairs at Buenos Aires when Argentine Republic was protesting against the sinking of its shipping.

TUESDAY Defence of Petrograd — Prospects Considered Good —British Gain near St. Quentln—Austrian efforts for Peace. A Danish report states that the heaviest cannonading has been heard from the direction of Riga and Reval, and suggests that a naval battle is in progress. Refugees are .pouring into Petrograd, but the Government is arranging for them to go further inland to relieve congestion. Fighting is still swinging east of Riga. It is generally considered that the Russians will be able to offer a successful defence and it is suggested that General Korniloff sacrified Riga in order to save Odessa and the fruitful districts,of Southern Russia. Northumberland troops captured 600 yards of trenches near Hargicourt, ten miles north-west of St. Quentin The British made slight gains at other points. An Austrian newspaper states that since the beginning of August Austria has been exerting strong pressure to influence Germany towards peace, and that if Germany is obdurate a separate agreement may be reached with Britain.

WEDNESDAY New Crisis in Russia — Dispute .; Threatenleg Civil War—German Advance Slowing Down—French Gain in the Balkans. A clash between the Com-mander-in-Chief and Premier in Russia has created a situation which is said to carry a possibility of civil war at the front. General Korniloff demanded that all civil and military should be handed over to him in order that he might form a new Government. The Premier replied by dismissing General Korniloff and denouncing him and another general who refused to accept the supreme command as traitors, , and threatening punishment. Although the Germans are transferring their best troops on the Russian front to the Riga sector, their advance there is reported to be slowing down. The Russians are posted in hilly country 50 to 70 miles east of Riga, and are holding back the enemy. The French have completed their recent gains on the right bank of the Meuse. Later reports emphasise the heaviness of the German defeat in this region. The French have captured three villages on the Balkan front south-east of Monastir,

|V THURSDAY tSlivil War In Russia — Korniloff Defies Government —Marching on the Capital—Kerensky Refuses Mediation. Russia is practically in a state of civil war. The reply of j General Korniloff to the order of j the Provincial Government that he should resign the chief army command has been to send his cavalry towards Petrograd. Fighting is taking place between Korniloff s Asiatic horsemen and Kerensk's sharp-shooters 26 miles from Petrograd, M. Kerensky claims that he is assured of support from Moscow and has force enough to quell possible disorders in the capital. He further states that the army is supporting the Provisional Government, and he has refused the offer of General Alexieff, late commander-in-chief to mediate. An unconfirmed report comes from Sweden that M. Kerensky has been murdered. The Rusr sian Embassy in London has re^ ceived n.o news from Petrograd since Monday morning.