Exposed troops

Austrians admit defeat

Serbo Bulgarian incident

The true significance of the affray on the Serbo-Bulgarian frontier is not yet apparent.

Until new facts are forthcoming it would perhaps be as well to assume the sincerity of the declaration made in Sofia by the Prime Minister that Bulgaria will continue to observe the strictest neutrality and it will be proof against temptation from any quarter.

It is idle to deny, however, that the incident has not had a disquieting effect and further information is awaited with some anxiety.

A telegram this morning states that the incident has been closed, that Bulgaria has promised Serbia satisfaction, and that the raiders are to be punished.

From the war areas proper there is little news of expected importance but the French report indicates continued progress in the Woevre and the capture of a village while an Austrian admission is further confirmation of the successes now rewarding Russian arms.

The Russian official communique issued on Saturday reports continued progress in the direction of the Uszok Pass.

Guns, ammunitions and wagons have been abandoned and by Thursday last over 7,700 prisoners fell into the hands of the Russians.

A semi-official statement from Petrograd also states that on a front of three miles only the prisoners captured comprised men from 14 different regiments.

The Austrian official message admits that the arrival of fresh Russian reinforcements caused the exposed troops to retreat somewhat. The reinforcements are stated to have come from Permysl.

With regard to the new Balkan complications, the Serbian Legation in London yesterday issued a message stating that a band of Bulgarian regulars crossed the Serbian frontier, the ensuing fighting was fierce and the Serbians were forced to retire.

Reinforcements arriving, the Bulgarians were driven back over the frontier. One account says 80 Bulgarians were found dead on the field while the Serbians lost 60 killed and a large number wounded.

Two guns which were captured were retaken by the Serbians.

It is understood that the allies are developing a new scheme of attack which, when the arrangements are complete, will be overwhelming. As to this we must wait and see.

The following descriptive account has been communicated through the ‘eye witness’ present with General headquarters: The last three days of March passed quietly, on the 29th there was an exchange of shell fire around Ypres and the enemy’s guns were active in front of many points on our right centre.

During the night several hostile planes flew over our lines and bombs were dropped but no casualties were caught.

On Wednesday our artillery exploded a magazine in the German lines and obtained three hits on a battery.

Russians, Bavarians and Saxons took part in the fighting at Neuve Chapelle but their mutual cooperation does not seem to have been hearty at all points and on the whole they were under the impression that they had been grossly manhandled by the Prussian officers.