GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXX, Issue 35, 16 May 1916, Page 8

GENERAL WAR NEWS.

THE SPIRIT OF FRANCE. Paris, May 15. At Nancy, President *Poinca re said that neither directly nor indirectly lias Germany offered peace. He continued: "We do not wish her to offer peace; we wish her to ask For it. We .visit to impose conditions; we v.ill not accept hers. And until our e. einios admit they arc. beaten we will not cease to fight." THE NEAR EAST POLICY. Petrograd, May 14. The Novoe Vremya states that an Anglo-Russian agreement has been concluded, covering Persia and Constantinople, and removing the international relation;!)!}) from the poisonenvenomed European policy that prevailed for three-parts of the 19th century.

TRAININC THE ANZASS. London, May 14. Before going into the firing line the Anzaes were put through a course entraining in Hun methods of warfare. They were placed in a specially-built trench and gassed and fired at with flame projectors. They were not impressed by the forme)-, but state that the latter is a most horror-inspiring invention, but not of much practical use against seasoned fighters, although it would momentarily affect the moral, because it is terrifying to see burning liquid sweep over the parapets. ALL IN THE GERMAN GAME. Berne, May 14. Proceedings at the International Socialist Conference, held at Zimmervvald at the end of April, reveal a ludicrous German plan to secure peace by a Socialist rising in the Allied countries. The German delegates explained it was impossible for German Socialists to rebel, because the Government was too powerful, but Socialist rebellions ought to be possible in Britain, France and Italy, because they were democratic. Critics of the scheme point out that the German Government gave the delegates unusual facilities 'to , attend the conference, although they were mostly notorious irreconcilables. ON THE RIGA FRONT.' London, May 14. Mr Hamilton Eyl'o, writing from Petrograd, says that there are many signs that' the German troops are depressed. Their leaders have broken the promises to capture Riga, and Dvinsk, thus ending the war. An unfinished letter that was found on a ; captured sergeant said : "We talk „ no , more of taking Dvinsk, and are only holding our position. It was said in January that many more troops would be sent, but wc have not seen them. The Russians are very strong,, and their artillery is terrific. The lowspirited soldiers are not eager to rusti' 'into danger, and recently attempted to frequently leave the trenches, but, were always driven back hy shells. Eventually a company refused to advance. -Its commanding officer cursed vainly, and shot with a revolver three or four men. The company then obeyed, but a hurricane of fire from the ' Russian batteries drove them, back. The same night the officer ..was murdered hy a bayonet stab. Ten men were then ballotted for to be executed, and the company was sent back.