The War.

Mount Ida Chronicle, Volume XLV, Issue XLV, 15 June 1917, Page 3

The War.

The United Press Burean (U.SA.) says that, according to best-informed Government officials, all hope of an Allied victory this year has gone. The American plans are now being prepared on the probability of three years more war. Russia has collapsed, and, it is believed, is out of the war as an offensive factor, and probably for good, while France can be counted only to hold her own. This admission from military critics that the Russian upheaval has upset the Allied plans has caused extreme pessimism in Borne quarters. Pres : dent Wilson has cabled to Russia that America will not consent to peace on a btsis of status quo ante bjilum. There must be no territorial changes without the consent or benefit of the inhabitants, and no indemnities except aa a restitution for wrongs The New York World's Washington correspondent states that America will not stop with the despatch of General Pershing's division, but will send troops to Europe much sooner and in greater number than has been supposed. June 9. * Ihe enemy has not yet recovered the shock of the battle of Kes■James. The New Zealanders are still fitfrtfy established on the ground gained, and have not been counter-attack-ed. Especially interesting is the fact that to cur men has fallen the honour Of recapturing the first Belgian town Bince trench warfare commenced, In

Baileal, just over the border, where many Belgain refugees have sheltered, there were affecting scenes when the bulletin announcing its recapture was posted. Generally there was rejoicing, yet amongst the crowd were some old men and women who read the news and went away weeping. Their homes had been 'devastated, but the first Belgian town had been redeemed.

* The British reply to Russia occurs in the "no annexation" sentiments, but aims at Ihe enforcement of international agreements and the liberation of oppressed Dations.