IN THE BALKANS.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 27 April 1917, Page 5

IN THE BALKANS.

S&ITISH MAKE SUCCESSFUL ATTACK. LONDON, April 25. British official from Salonika:—After three days’ bombardment, we attacked last night on a two and a-half miles front between the southern'end of Doiran la"ke and a point north-west of Doldzeli. We advanced northward of Doldzeli 500 yards on a mile front. W e repelled four counter-attacks and consolidated our position. We penetrated the enemy’s trenches further the eastward, but were unable to retain the ground. Fighting continues. ! INTERESTING SUGGESTIONS. NEW YORK, April 26. The New York World’s Paris despatches indicate that decisive action is likely to be taken regarding Salonika. There are veiled hints of possible reinforcements of Arras and France by veterans. RUSSIA’S INTERNAL AFFAIRS NO PEACE OFFERS RECEIVED. NEUTRALISATION OF THE BOSPHOEOUS. Received 9.5. MOSCOW, April 26. M. Miliukoff, interviewed, said Russia had not received any official offer which would be possible as a basis if negotiation. Russia would demand the complete independence- of the Austrian Slavs. She will be willing to consent to the neutralisation of the Bosphorus, if freedom for international , trade was guaranteed, but iusisted on her right to exclude warships, which Avas impossible unless Russia possesses the strait. REVOLUTIONARY TROOPS LEAVE FOE THE FRONT. STIRRING SCENES. Received 9.5. PETROGEAD, April 26. Stirring scenes took place at the departure for the front of the first detachment of revolutionary troops. Crowds soldiers carrying flags inscribed “War for Liberty!” MALIGN INFLUENCE. THE MONK RASPUTIN AGAIN. LONDON, April 25. The neAvspapers publish private telegrams which passed between the Czarina and the Czar in December and March, while the Czar was at the front. All the telegrams Avere written in English, and shoAV the Empress’s active interference in politics. One asked the Czar to immediately stop the prosecution of Manuiloff (ex-Premier Sturmer’s private secretary), who Avas accused of blackmail. The telegram ended: “This is absolutely necessary for your peace of mind.” The Czar replied: “I will stop the case at once.” Telegraphing on March 12, the Czarina said: “Yesterday’s riots are shocking. Many troops have gone over.” Later in the day she telegraphed: “The strikes arc spreading. The troops are joining the strikers. Some concessions are unavoidable. ’ ’ The Czarina sent an astonishing letter to the Monk Rasputin (the evil genius of the Court, who was ‘ ‘disposed ; of” by patriots), written in ungrammatical Russian. She says; “ What a joy that you came to see us, to lay one’s head on your shoulder and say nothing, hut just feel the joy and peace of forgetfulness. What heavenly bliss! Don’t leave me. I am weak. I love you. I have faith in you alone. (Signed) Your daughter, A. Tsaritsao.’ Grief at Rasputin’s murder is reflected in a number of telegrams.