In the West.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXV, Issue 38, 16 February 1915, Page 5

In the West.

EMBARRASSING FOR THE GERMANS.

Tim ks and Sydney Sun Service Loudon, February 15

Amsterdam states that the American Note has obviously embarrassed tbe German authorities. Tbe Chancellor is expected to visit tbe Kaiser at tbe eastern front to discuss the German reply, which it is believed will bo couched in apologetic terms, giving the United States a distinct pledge for the safety of Aemricau ships, on condition that America prohibits the use of her flag on belligerent ships. NEWSPAPER INDIGNATION AND THREATS. f United Press Association.] Copenhagen, February 15. The Kaiser, on learning the news, returned to the East Prussian front and invited Mr Gerard, tbe American Ambassador to a conference at the eastern headquarters. Gorman newspapers, without exception, are indignant at the American Note, whieh is described as a gross breach of neutrality. The Deutseh Etages Zcitung says

the German people will support the Government in telling 1\ ashingto i: “Do what you like. We are ready. The safety of neutrals is secured il you do as we say, otherwise you run great risks.”

The Lokal Anzeiger, referring to the hooi ng at Air Gerard at a Berlin theatre on Tuesday, urger Germans to exercise self-restraint towards America ns. 'I ho National Zeitung, after having interviewed Air Gerard, pointed out that an economic war with America would he fatal to Germany which had invested millions in America. The only possibility of a serious conflict would lie the sinking of an American ship. THE BELGIAN ARMY. COLLECTING THE SCATTERED UNITS. Paris, February 15. The Belgians are endeavouring to raise an army of 200,000. Eighty per cent of the 101-1 recruits living near the Dutch and French frontiers have already joined the colours. An urgent appeal is made to refugees in Holland and Britain between the ages of eighteen and thirty to volunteer, otherwise the Belgian Government will issue a decree for compulsory military service. FRENCH PROGRESS REPORT. HOT FIGHTING IN THE TRENCHES. (Received 10.5 a.m.) Paris, February 15. A communique states: AVe carried 250 mgtres of trenches between Betlnuie and La Bassee. Hot fighting from trench to treench continues in the Bagatelle and Marietherese regions.