WAR NEWS.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1286, 18 August 1914, Page 3

WAR NEWS.

Japan has issued an ultimatum to Germany, demanding Germany’s- evacuation of Kiao-chau and the withdrawal of German warships unconditionally before August 33rd.

The ultimatum has caused unrest at Washington, where concern is evihced at the possibility of a Japanese occupation of Samoa, with its attendant menace to the Panama Canal. The European centre of operations i? obscured by the censor. In minor operations the French artillery is proving far superior to the German. The Germans are reported to be seriously inconvenienced by the loss of. so many of their hbrses, while the characteristic mass formation of the Germans in attack is involving such appalling sacrifice of rank and file that even their officers are exercised as to the wisdom of pursuing such tactical methods in the face of the terrible effectiveness of the enemy’s artillery. In the action at Dinant the Germans were subjected to a crushing defeat, mainly by the accuracy of the French artillery, and the subsequent dash of French cavalry. The Italian troops are being hurriedly concentrated at mobilisation centres, and other preparations of a significant kind are in full swing. Four Austrian warships were beaten by the French ships, off Budua, an Austrian town in the Adriatic. Turkey’s behaviour to the ships of the Entente Powers is causing considerable annoyance, and is giving ground for distrust of her bona-fides with respect to her neutrality. There is no news from the North Sea. The Auckland Citizens Patriotic Fund now amounts to ,£29,000. The Wanganui Jockey Club’s September meeting has been abandoned on account of the war. The following vessels have been definitely chosen for the work of carrying troops and horses Waimana, Athenic, Willochra, Tahiti, Star of India, Ruapehu and Maunganui.

[Up to the time of going to press no fresh war news ot any importance has come to hand.]