EASTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, Issue 220, 2 July 1917, Page 5

EASTERN FRONT.

RIGA TO BLACK SEA OFFENSIVE. 1916 SUCCESSES TO BE SURPASSED. Received 9 a.m. ROME, July 1. Authoritative circles regard a general Russian offensive, on the Eastern front as certain from Riga to the Black Sea, and it is expected that the operations will be on a grand scale. It is believed that General Brusiloff will surpass the 1916 successes. The Russo-Roumanian armies are now reported to be in a high state of efficiency. There are indications that the Austro-Germans are preparing a strong offensive on the Roumanian front with a view to invading B'essarabia, and seizing the abundant harvest, and inflicting a decisive defeat on the disorganised Russians.

THE RUSSIAN OFFENSIVE. VARIOUS REPORTS. Received 9.55. LONDON, July 1. Austrian official: Russian artillery fire has increased during the past few days, and became intense on Friday afternoon in the neighbourhood of Brazejany and Keninchy. An enemy infantry attack was launched near Keninchy, but broke d(A\ n under our barrage. Russian official: Ours and the enemy’s artillery are active south of Pripet, especially in the region of Zolotchev and Brazejany. Wireless German official: Russian attacks from the Upper Stryja as far 4 as the western bank of Zlota Lipa broke down. RUSSIA’S REVIVAL. COSSACKS DEMAND WAR. PETROGKAD, June 29. The Duma refused a request made by numerous 'elements that it should dissolve because various congresses, such as workmen’s, soldiers’ and peasants’ are superseding the Duma as a representative body. NEW YORK, June 29. The Jewish daily paper, “Forward” publishes a cable from Petrograd, representing all Russia, passed a resolution favouring an immediate offensive against Germany.

GOVERNMENT GROWING IN S FAVOUR. PETRORAD, June 30. The quarrel* between the Government and a small body of extremists is intensifying and is tending to strengthen the bonds between the Provisional Government and the great mass of the people, The newspaper “Pravda” announces the watchwords of the extremists, firstly “ Down with the capitalists and Ministers!” “Down with all Imperialists who back up the counterrevolution! ” “Down with all capitalists and organisers of lock-outs!’’ “N© separate peace with. Wilhelm but down with secret treaties with English and French capitalists-’’ “Down with any advance! ” Telegrams from the armies have been received urging calm in the rear. Kerensky had issued an order that in view of the gravity of the crisis, female labour must be mobilised. ADMISSION BY THE ENEMY. LONDON, June 30. A German wireless report says:— Russian activity in Eastern Galicia indicates attack. A strong fire was maintained on the Lemberg-Brody railway to southward of Bezezany. We drove back the Russians near Koeincry. RUSSIANS WILL WALK THROUGH. LONDON, June 30. Will Thorn, speaking at Hull, said he expected in a short time a Russian offensive. The Russians would walk through the Germans and Austrians, unless 200,000 Germans returned from the West Front. In that case there was a possibility of the war collapsing before Christmas.

THE DUMA STANDS FIRM. PETROGRAD, June 30. ‘A private meeting of the Duma declined to comply with the demand of the Council of Workers and Soldiers delegates for its dissolution. A FEDERATED RUSSIA. Received 9.20. PETROGRAD, July 1. Before the revolution the movement in the Ukraine was largely 'anti-Rus-sian; now, the whole demand is for autonomy, and that the troops shall fight under their own flag. It aims at federation with Russia, and the agitation is growing in strength, the leaders refusing to await the constituent assembly.

MUTINEERS FIRED ON. Received 9.20 a.m. PETRORAD, July 1. By the order of M. Kerensky, when peace overtures failed on the 12th and 13th June, Divisions sharpshooters who refused to fall in were surrounded and charged by cavalry at the village of Jovkoff. After the village had been twice shelled the sharpshooters surrendered and were disarmed. GREECE. GREECE SEVERS RELATIONS. LONDON, June 30. ; Greece has severed her relations with the Central Powers.

GERMANY EXPECTED TO DECLARE WAR. ATHENS, June 30. The Greek Ministers in Berlin, Vienna, Constantinople and Sofia have been recalled_ A state of war virtually exists. It is expected that Germany will declare war. The Allied troops have left Athens and a Venizelist regiment has replaced them. GREECE’S PROPER PLACE. ATHENS, June 30. Venizelos, in a speech at his hotel yesterday, declared that Greece would take her place beside the democratic Powers who were fighting the Central Empires, with whom were allied Greece’s hereditary enemies. He Concluded by referring to the organisation of the army. The Government would, with a view to military training, call up the classes for 1910-17 and strive to reconcile the two sections of the army. THE KING’S ANSWER. ATHENS, June 30. After M. Venizelos informed the King of his intention to recall the 1915 Chamber, he said "I presume you understand, sirj that one of the first duties of a constituent assembly is to revise the powers of the throne.” The King replied, “I quite understand.” M. Venizelos continued that it would be rendered impossible for the sovereign to dissolve the Chamber or dismiss the Ministry except by signing a vote for dissolution already given by the Chamber itself. The King answered, ‘‘Very well.”

MAKING A CLEAN SWEEP. ATHENS, June 30. The Foreign Minister is making a clean departmental sweep. The Greek Ministers' dn Bdrlin: Petjkbgrad, and Berne, have been dismissed. The Minister of the Interior has dismissed many perfects and magistrates. The Government is granting an amnesty to civil prisoners, including those guilty of offences against the Provincial Government. The Minister of Marine has ordered" the retirement of four admirals and; other officers. BULGARIA’S RULER GETTING UNEASY. j PLANS THAT MISCARRIED. Received 9 a.m. BERNE, July 1. Sofia advices report there is considerable uneasiness in high circles at Constantine’s fall. Ferdinand recently expressed apprehension of Greece’s active hostility, and hastened to the German headquarters and impressed the Kaiser and Hindenburg with the necessity of immediately reinforcing Bulgaria. It had been originally arranged that Constantine should attack General Sarrail’s rear.