WAR NEWS.

Kaipara and Waitemata Echo, 30 May 1918, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

MONDAY.

Sinn Fein Plot — Intrigue with Germany—Rising to follow Offensive—Allied Activity in WestRecord Toll of Submarines. Details of the evidence leading to the arrest of the Sinn Fein leaders have been published by ■ the British Government. An unbroken series of plans, from '^Jfcfovember, 1914, up to and including the rising of 1916, and continuously to the recent arrests is described. Until the time of America's entry into the war, Count yon Bernstorff, German Ambassador in Washington, and Cap. yon Papen, military attache, were the principal agents of communication between Berlin and Ireland. Subsequently the communication was more difficult, but more direct. Plans had been matured for the landing of arms inllreland, and a rising coincident with the German offensive. The establishment of submarine bases on the Irish coast was part of the scheme. Sir Douglas Haig reports successful British raids at Hamel, south of the Somme, and north of Lens. The aerial offensive has also been vigorously maintained. The French report successful raids in the Champagne and the Vosges. Mr Lloyd George states that submarines are now being destroyed faster than Germany can replace them. TUESDAY Outburst by Guns —Heavy Enemy Bombardment—Success of Allied Airmen — Sharp Fighting in Ukraine—Peasants Defeat German Force. Reuters correspondent at British headquarters reports an intense bombardment by enemy artillery on the British front. From a point south of the Somme to the Scarpe Valley there was intensive shelling with gas and and high explosive shells, points north of Albert being particularly affected. There was also heavy shelling of the Flanders line from Festubert to the "Yser. A French communique reports considerable artillery activity south of the Somme and on the Lys line. Enemy raids were repulsed near Bailleul, south-east of Montdiddier, and in the Vosges and Champagne. Bir DouglasHaig's aviation report states that towns in possession of the enemy were vigorously attacked and Bruges docks bombed. Eleven enemy aeroplanes were brought down without the loss of a single British. An extensive uprising of the peasants in the Ukraine against German domination is reported. German troops were dispatched to disarm them, but in the Novgorod district the insurgents, securing machine-guns, inflicted a defeat on ths Germans. WEDNESDAY Aisne Line Attacked —British in Centre of Front —Allied on Prepared Line—Attack in Flanders Defeated —Italians begin Offensive

Two enemy attacks opened simultaneously on the west front on Monday morning, the sector south-west of Ypres, in the Locre and Kemmel area, being the scene of one, and a much wider area between Soissons and Rheims of the other. On the Flanders line the attacks were repulsed by the French after fierce fighting, in which the enemy suffered great losses.

On the Aisne front both British and French were1 engaged. The British on the right held their ground, but were pressed back in the centre, while the French on the left also yielded a certain amount of ground, retiring to prepared positions.

The Italians signalised the anniversary of their entry into the war by launching an offensive, A number of strong points were taken by storm, and severe losses inflicted on the enemy.

THURSDAY vThe New Offensive—German AdAdvance—Allied Reserves Arriving —Flanders Line Re-established — Italian Success at New Point, The latest French communique A' tes that the German advance it>?& been checked on the left by counter attacks. In the centre the battle is now rag:ng five miles beyond the Aisne. An attack has been made by Americans west of Montdidier. Allied reserves are arriving behind the present battleline. A counter-attack by the British and French forces in Flanders resulted in the complete re-estab-lishment of the line south of Ypres. The Italians have gained a further success in an attack at Caposile, on the Piave, seven miles from the Adriatic coast. The enemy lines were penetrated and prisoners and m. ate rial captured.