The news from the western theatre of war continues to be favourable, though marked by no signal event.
A bulletin issued yesterday evening by our Press Bureau announced that the general position along the Aisne continues to be favourable. The enemy had delivered several counter-attacks, but these had been repulsed, and some ground had been gained both by the British forces and by the French armies on either side of them.
The enemy's loss, it is added, was very heavy, and 200 prisoners were taken.
The official report from Paris of yesterday afternoon explains in some detail the position of the confronting armies.
It states that the attacks of the Allies compelled the German rearguard to make a stand on Monday and Tuesday, and that the rearguard having been reinforced by the main body took up strong positions through Noyon and the plateaux north of Soissons, on to Laon, the heights north of Rheims, and along a line extending to the west of the Argonne ridge, and continued westward to the north of Varenne, touching the Meuse north of Verdun.
It is added that it has not yet been possible to take count of the prisoners and materiél captured during the pursuit..
As an example of the character of German official war news it is noteworthy that the German Minister at Copenhagen has been authorised by his Government to declare the London reports of German defeats to be impudent fabrications; and to assert that the German troops have lost no guns or prisoners to the French, but that "the situation before Paris" is wholly favourable for the German Army.
A further list of officers of the Expeditionary Force killed, wounded, and missing was issued last night. It includes the names of six officers killed, of six officers who have died of wounds, of one officer wounded and missing, of 45 officers wounded, and of four missing, together with a few corrections of previous announcements.
The Admiralty announce that Submarine E9 has returned safely after having torpedoed a German cruiser, believed to be the Hela, south of Heligolahd. This is the vessel referred to in the recent German war news.
The Emperor of Russia has sent a telegram to President Poincaré conveying his cordial congratulations on "the new brilliant victory gained by the French Army."
President Poincaré has replied expressing himself as profoundly touched, and declaring that "the great victory obtained by the Russian troops in Galicia has gladdened all French hearts."
Telegrams of congratulation have also been exchanged between the Prince Regent of Servia and President Poincaré.
The Emperor of Russia has conferred on the King of the Belgians the Cross of Knight of the Military Order of St. George.
Of Russia's triumphant progress in Galicia further news comes from Petrograd.
The pursuit of the Austrians continues, and some of their army corps have been annihilated.
The Russians have crossed the River San and are approaching Przemysl. The enemy's losses are assuming "colossal proportions " - amounting in killed and wounded to 250,000, in prisoners to over 100,000, and in guns to 400, together with munitions of war in great quantities.
The desperate efforts of the Germans to relieve the Austrian rout is shown by the fact that at one point 36 German big guns and 5,000 German prisoners were captured. Elsewhere several dozen of German heavy guns Were taken.
Belgian engineers have entirely demolished the important railway bridge over the Dendre at Alost, thus breaking railway communication between Antwerp and Brussels.
From Capetown comes the distressing news that General Delarey, the Boer Commandant who distinguished himself so much in the South African War, has been shot dead near Johannesbiurg by a sentry whose challenge was not responded to. General Delarey had strongly supported General Botha's attitude in regard to he present war.
General Beyers has tended his resignation of the post of Commandant-General of the Union Defence Force, and the resignation has been accepted.
With regard to the recent fighting in Nyassaland the Governor announces that, in addition to the casualties among officers already published, there were three killed, three wounded, and one missing among the volunteers.
In connection with the Japanese investment of Kiao-chau several minor successes are reported, including the capture of the railway station. Germany has lodged at Peking another protest against the Japanese landing.
A White Paper was issued last night giving the despatch of the British Ambassador lately at Vienna respecting the rupture of diplomatic relations with the Austro-Hungarian Government.
A manifesto was issued last night by Mr. John Redmond stating that by the passing of the Home Rule Bill a new era had opened in the history of Ireland and England. The Empire was engaged in the most serious war in history - a war for high ideals - and Ireland would be false to every consideration of honour, good faith, and self-interest if she did not willingly bear her share of the coming burdens and sacrifices.
The Prince of Wales's National Relief Fund yesterday amounted to £2,646,000.