BELGIAN RELIEF.

Taranaki Daily News, 19 February 1917, Page 5

BELGIAN RELIEF.

AMERICAN COMMISSION CONTINUES GERMAN CONDITIONS MAKE .POSITION CRITICAL. Received Feb. 18, 5.5 p.m. London, Feb. 17. It is officially confirmed that the Germans have now asked the Americans engaged in the relief of Belgium to remain. The commission has consented, on the understanding that it 3 activities are not restricted, but are on the same basis as existed before the diplomatic break, Germany still adheres to the demand that the relief vessels shall approach or leave Rotterdam by the North Sea route, ■which is so hazardous owing to minefields a§ to be almost impracticable, with the result that ships are held up, while the Belgians' position is becoming more critical. OFFICIAL REPORTS. (Renter). London, Feb. 16. A French communique says:—The enemy bombarded our Butte de MesnilMaisons de Champagne front and succeeded with an air explosion of several miles in penetrating a salient west of Maisons de Champagne and north of the road at Butte de Mesnil. Our barrage and flanking fire caused the enemy heavy losses. A violent artillery struggle is proceeding. There is great patrol activity in the Woevre. Our air squadrons bombed railway stations, blast furnaces, aerodrome, barracks, and bivouacs. London, Feb. lfl. A Gorman wireless official message states that the Crown Prince attacked in the Champagne, southwards of Rlpont, and was completely successful He stormed four lines on a .flont of 2(!00 metres to a dentil of 800 metres, taking 865 prisoners.