It was officially announced last night by the Press Bureau that on Tuesday the French on the southern part of the Franco-German frontier were attacked in force by the Germans; that the attack was repulsed, and that the enemy retired all along the line.
This news, satisfactory as far as it goes, is the most definite of any that has been given as to the happenings in the western theatre of war since the retirement of the Allies to their new positions.
An earlier communication from Paris announces that, on the East of the Meuse, the French troops have regained their positions, commanding the openings of the great forest of Ardennes; and that more to the right the French have vigorously assumed the offensive and driven back the enemy, though pursuit has been stayed to re-establish the troops on the lines assigned.
In Lorraine, it is declared, both Armies have taken the offensive at the same time and the battle, begun on Tuesday, still continues.
In the North, the parties of German cavalry which on Monday were seen in the region of Lille, Roubaix, and Tourcoing appeared on Tuesday around Douai, which is nearly twenty miles due south of Lille. The Allied troops have been reinforced on that wing.
Referring to the battle of the week-end, the French bulletin states that despite the enormous fatigue of three consecutive days' fighting, and despite the losses sustained, the moral of the troops is excellent.
In the encounter with the Prussian Guard, which was especially fierce, Prince Adalbert, the uncle of the German Emperor, was killed; and, according to the Berlin Semi-Official News Agency, Prince Friedrich of Saxe-Meinigen was killed at Namur on the 23rd inst. by a shell.
According to the reports of fugitives who have arrived from Mons the British forces, between Saturday and Monday, met and repulsed furious attacks made by six separate German columns.
Mr. Asquith stated in the House of Commons that no list of casualties was yet available, as it would be" cruel and inexpedicnt to issue an imperfect list."
The Belgian Legation in London has received news that on Monday the Belgian troops sallied from Antwerp, and on the following day drove back three German divisions which had taken up a stand near Malines.
With regard to the Eastern theatre of war important news has been received from the Russian Chief of the General Staff. The German Army in East Prussia is in retreat and is entrenching itself near the fortress of Königsberg.
The Russian troops have occupied the important railway centre, Insterburg, and the town of Angerburg, which is some forty miles further south. On the 23rd and 24th fierce battles were fought to the north of Neidenburg, which is on the frontier, about ninety miles due south of Königsberg.
The 20th Corps of the German Army, increased to three divisions, was occupying fortified positions, in which it was attacked and surrounded, the left wing flying to Osterode, and abandoning guns and material.
Our St. Petersburg Correspondent sends a significant message about the strength of the Russian advance.
On the Austrian frontier another successful action is reported.
It was announced yesterday that Togoland, the German Colony on the West Coast of Africa, had been surrendered unconditionally to the British invading force, which is to enter Kamina, the capital, today. The Germans have destroyed their wireless station.
Of the progress of affairs at Kiao-Chau, which is now blockaded by the Japanese, no further news has been received by the Japanese Embassy in London. News has been received there that the Japanese Ambassador in Vienna has been handed his passports.
Recruiting is going on briskly. While the New Army of 100,000 men is practically complete, more recruits are still wanted. As Mr. Asquith said in the House yesterday, "'We want all the recruits we can get."
As President of the County of London Territorial Association, Lord Esher has issued an appeal to the young men of London "to give to the King 30,000 Territorials in a few days," so that a second unit may be raised in reserve for every one that has volunteered for service abroad.
Canada's first Expeditionary Force is expected to be fully assembled at the end of the week. It is sufficiently over strength to supply a substantial nucleus for any second force that may be required.
From the German official war news dated yesterday it appears that Namur has not completely fallen, but only the town and five of the forts, four others being still subjected to bombardment.
The German Emperor has sent a telegram to the Crown Princess rejoicing in " Wilhelm's first victory, and announcing the bestowal on him of the Iron Cross of the first and second class.
Austrian successes against the Russians are reported, although a "temporary retreat" of the German troops in East Prussia is admitted.
With regard to the fighting in Belgium, it is declared that an English cavalry brigade was repulsed at Maubeuge, and that an infantry division was also defeated. No further particulars are given.
The Prince of Wales's National Relief Fund yesterday afternoon reached the total of £1,680,000.