WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 17 January 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

Armistice Extended — Bolshevik Intentions—Defence if Conference Falls—Raids on British Front.

l The armistice on the Russian Kront has been prolonged for mother month. The Bolshevik is organisa force on the northern of the front to meet a Brman offensive, which is be~ Bißd to be imminent. Preparabeing made for defensive HHHtions only. \jSfte Russian suggestion to transfer the peace negotiations from Brest Litovsk to Stockholm has been declined by the emissaries of the Central Powers. It is reported in Russia that s|he Don Cossacks will shortly ■orm their territory into an [independent Republic. I A successful raid on the ■pnemy's trenches east of Loos is reported by Sir Douglas Haig, enemy raid south of Armentieres was repulsed. The artillery has been active at various sectors, and the air service was engaged in bombing ■various targets behind the German lines.

■ ■ TUESDAY P^G^rmany's Plans—Main Blow at * Verdun—Two secondary offensives ; —Collapse if Effort Fails— HBolsnevlk Rising in Ukraine. In the opinion of a neutral who * has just returned from a visit to £ Berlin, the great impending offensive is to be aimed against Verdun, Calais, and Italy, Verdun being the scene of the major blow. The German war machine is as powerful as ever, but is liable to collapse at the first failure. Sailors of the Black Sea Fleet adhering to the Bolshevik party .. -rose against their officers, and over 60 officers, including four admirals, were massacred in Sebastopol. Fighting is proceeding at Nikolieff, the principal naval station on the Black Sea. An All-Ukrainian Congress has has been summoned to meet at Kieff on January 23 to discuss a number of questions affecting the future of the Ukraine. Reports fro,m Finland^.., declare ,tnat a ' V revolution is imminent. Erenmark ,and Norway have recognised the independence of the Finnish Republic. An emeny raiding party was repulsed south-east of Arras. The artillery is active at the two extremes of the Piave line.

WEDNESDAY Men for the Army—Britain's urgent I • Need —New Measures Possible — ! */■* Fighting in Don Country—Cosl sacks Marching North. A Bill authorising the mobilisation of new forces in Britain has been introduced in the House of Commons. The Minister for National Service, Sir Auckland Geddes, stated that the most urgent need at present is for men and unless it is satisfied the Government will not hesitate to alter the military age or to enforce conscription in Ireland. He also stated that the British Empire has raised 7,500,000 men. A message from Petrograd describes prolonged and serious fighting between the Bolsheviks ~--hik! ih& Cossacks in'the Don Country. The Cossacks are reported to be proceeding north. A report from Petrograd that demobilised officers have been ordered to report for duty immediately is interpreted in Washington as meaning that the Bolsheviks are preparing an armed demonstration against Germany.