In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 309, 30 December 1914, Page 5

In the West.

PLUM PUDDING GALORE.

CH RISTMAS AT THE FRONT.

Timeb and Sydney Sun Sbbvioei. (Received 8 a.m.) London, December 29.

A correspondent in the north of France writes: Christmas Day In ought a hard frost and a heavy winter nnst. The weather did its best to produce a Christmas atmosphere, but the combatants did not take the hint. The guns boomed on the Yser in the early morning, showing there was no truce. On the British front it was quieter. The men ate their Christmas dinner in peace. Plum pudding was served nut to all the troops, including those in the trenches. There had been such generosity on the part of the Home people that many had six puddings, and the stories of the orgies are likely to* become legendary. The army spent a merry Christmas. “TAKE NO PRISONERS.” Timm and Sydney Sun Sieyioii. (Received 8 a.in.) London, December 29. An order issued by the German General commanding the Baden infantry, discloses the fact that lie instructed the men to take no prisoners, but, to kill the wounded.

CONFIRMATION OF THE ORDER.

“NO LIVING MEN MUST BE LEFT BEHIND US.”

United Phess Association. (Received 8.5 a.m.) London, December 29. The Daily Express publishes General Joffre’s army order dated the 17th inst: We have proof that the lieutenant commanding YII. Company of the ll&th Bavarian Infantry regiment communicated to his men the following order issued by the general commanding the 58th Brigade XlVth Bavarian Corps No prisoners must be made; all prisoners must be put to death; the wounded with or without arms must be put to death; prisoners even taken in large bodies must be put to death; no living men must be left behind us. General Joffr© adds: This order was carried out. Interrogation of German prisoners proves that numbers of French prisoners were shot dead.

GERMAN CREED.

ANTICIPATING BELGIUM'S FATE.

(Received 8.5 a.m.) Washington, December 29

The Belgian Minister states that the Belgian Government protested against Germany’s refusal to recognise the Consuls accredited to Belgium, and points out that Germany is seeking to take over the actual sovereignty of Belgium, while really only de facto in possession. Until a peace treaty settles the status of the conquered country, de facto, the Government has no right to cancel the exequaturs, or written official recognition of a consul or commercial agent, issued by the Government to which he is accredited, and authorising him to exercise his powers in a foreign country.

FOOD SUPPLIES IN BELGIUM.

GERMANS INCREASING THE DIFFICULTY OF DISTRIBUTION.

(Received 9.10 a.m.) London, December 29

The Evening News’ Hague correspondent states that while ostensibly welcoming the American food supplies in Belgium, the Germans are steadily increasing the difficulties of distribution. They have also, stopped the importation of bread from the Dutch bakeries at Eyndhoven, which hitherto supplied the most northern part of Belgium,

VIOLENT STORM ON MONDAY.

(Received 9.10 a.m.)

Paris, December 29

Monday night’s communique states: A violent storm throughout Monday prevented operations on most of the front, but we progressed in the Argonne.

FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT.

(Received 9.55 a.m.) Paris, December 29.

A communique states: The enemy violently bombarded our position on the Lys to the Somme. We progressed between the Somme and the Ar. gonne, and repulsed several counterattacks on the heights above* the Meuse. We recaptured trenches and a redoubt at Boisbrule after three successive counter-attacks. We are closely investing Steinbach. Following a violent action we seized tbe ruins of a chateau, north-west of Steinbach.