BRILLIANT RUSSIAN VICTORY

Taranaki Daily News, 18 February 1916, Page 5

BRILLIANT RUSSIAN VICTORY

LIBERATION FOR ARMENIA BRITAIN'S AIR DEFENCES REASSURING STATEMENTS

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright

IN THE • WEST.

FUTILE. THE GERMAN OFFENSIVE. « ' TN ARTOIS AND CHAMPAGNE. London, Feb. 71. A French official wireless states that the German effort to advance in Artois and Champagne has definitely come to nothing. The assaults, which were long prepared, were carried out at points forming salients into the German lines. Each assault was preceded by a formidable mine, which it is estimated took three months to prepare. The only result was that th e Germans occupied a few erateri and secured a footing in some French Balients. It is certain that the Gttmans lost half of their effectives engaged in the attacks.

NO PEACE. J TILL BELGIUM IS RIGHTED. UNITY. OF THE ALLIES. Received Feb. 17, 5.5 p.m. Havre, Feb. 16. lhe French, British, and Russian MinUters at the Belgian Court, who called upon the Belgian Foreign Ministry on Monday, made the following declaration: "\jn»en the moment come 8 that the Belgian Government will be called on to take part in peace negotiations the Allies will not end hostilities until Belgium i» restored to her political and economic J independence, and liberally indemnified for the damage sustained. We will lend aid to Belgium to ensure her commercial and financial recovery." The representatives of * Italy and Japan announced no objection to the declaration. A NEW MORTAR. London, Feb. 16. Correspondents at British Headquarters show the increased German use of a trench mortar throwing 601b shells. The production of mortars has infinitely Multiplied. ' Lately the enemy fired five thousand •hells on the British position at Hooge.