WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 21 February 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

Fighting in Ukraine — Destroyer Raid in Dover Strait—Trawler and Drifters Sunk—Sir William Robertson Resigns. All reports suggest that Germany is about to renew hostilities against the Bolsheviks. It is believed that the enemy's 1 first step will be to attempt to secure the Ukraine, where the power of the Rada, with which Germany arranged peace, is only j nominal. A fierce battle is proceeding at Kieff, and the Rada is appealing for help. The opinion is generally held in Polish circles that Germany is aiming at preventing the establishment of a united Poland. German destroyers made a swift night raid on British patrol forces in the Strait of Dover, and sank a trawler and seven drifters and escaped. The same night a submarine fired thirty rounds at Dover. One child was killed and several person were injured. Sir William Robertson, Chief of the British General Staff, has resigned. He will be succeeded by General Wilson, who is now acting as British representative on the Allied War Council.

TUESDAY British Activity—Success in Air Warfare — Two Enemy Raids on London — German Scheme of Conquest. . Remarkable success was achieved against the enemy air service by the British on Sunday. Aviators brought down 21 enemy machines, and anti-aircraft guns shot down three, -while five British machines are missing. Enemy positions in Belgium were also raided. An air raid was made on London on Saturday night. Six aeroplanes attacked the mouth of the Thames and then advanced on London. Only one machine penetrated the defences of the city. The invaders were attacked by defending aeroplanes, and one was brought down. A Rnssian wireless message indicates that Germany officially intimated a resumption of Hostilities from mid-day on Monday.

After a silence of 11 days, a Petrograd telegram reports the prevalence of murder and pillage in-, the capital, especially after nightfall. Severe fighting continues in the south, a substantial success by General Alexieff, on the borders of the Don Country, being reported.

WEDNESDAY Armistice Broken—German Attack on Riga Front —Austrian Resentment—Challenge to Bolsheviks— Activity on Verdun Front. A German attack against the Russian Baltic provines of Esthonia and Levonia has commenced. The German authorities claim that the conduct of the Petrograd Government has ended the armistice and left their hands free. The prospect of a renewal of hostilities with Russia' has aroused bitter dissent in Austria. The latest developments of the Russian situations are stated to have caused a definite-cleavage between Austria and Germany.

Operations by General Alexieff against the Bolsheviks in the Don Cossack country in Southern Russia are developing. Two outstanding forces are now arrayed against the Bolsheviks —General Alexieff's army and the Church. The forces of Generals Alexieff and Korniloff are increasing.

There has been violent artillery activity on __ the Verdun front. The French attacks on positions captured in the Champagne on February 13. The British forces drove off raiders in the vicinity of Arras.

THURSDAY Bolshevik Peace—Accepting German Terms — Western Conflict Imminent — Hindenburg's New Boast—Successful British Raids. An official message from Petrograd states that German invasion of Russia has forced the Bolsheviks to declare their willingness 7-6 sign peace upon the conditions dictated by the Central Powers k.At Brest Litovsk. jr The prospect of the impending offensive is causing intense excitement in Germany, forcing the militarists to endeavour to pacify the people. General Hindenburg when told that there would be no food in Germany by May, said " I will be in Paris by April 1." Three successful raids were made by British troops, near Epehy, south oi: Lens, and in the southern portion of Houthulst Forest. Naval aircraft made an extensive raid into Belgium, many bombs being dropped at Zeebrug^e and Varssenaere. Three Enemy machines were destroyed.