Norwich bulletin., 1914-08-25

Paris, Aug. 24, -11.5o D.. m.-The ing announcement tonight:
 sHThe French and Engish the plan of attack having failed owing to un- foreseen difficulties. have retired on the covering positions.
 West of the Mouse the English army on our left was attacked by the Germans but behaved admirably, holding it's ground with traditional steadfaStness.
 French Obliged to Retire.
 '"The French assumed the offensive with two army corps. An African brigade in the front line, carried away by their eagerness were received by murderous fire. They did not give an inch, but. counter attacked by the Prussian guard. they were obliged to retire. only. however, after infiicting enormous losses. The Prussian guard especially suffered heavily.
 East of the Mouse our troops ad- vanced across an extremely difficult country and made vigorous attack when they emerged from the woods, but were obliged to fall back after a stiff fight south of the river Semois.
 Troops in Good Condition.
 "On order of General Joffre, our troops and the British troops with drew to the covering position. Our troops are intact; our cavalry has In no way suffered and our artillery has affirmed it's superiority. Our officers and soldiers are in the best Of condi- ton, morally and physically.
 Are Now On Defensive.
 eAs a result of the orders which have been issued, the aspect of the struggle will change for few days The French army will remain for g time on the defensive but at the right moment. to be decided upon by the chief it will resume 2 vigorous offensive.
 Admit Losses Are Heavy.
 "Our losses are heavy; it would be premature to enumerate them. Il would be equally so to enumerate those of the Germans, who suffered SC heavy that they were obliged tc abandon their counter-attack and es- tablish themselves in fresh positions in Lorraine.
 we delivered four attacks from oul positions north of Nancy, inf1ictine very heavy loss on the enemy.
 Retain Command of the Seas.
 Tn regard to the general situation we have the full use of our railroad: and retain command of the seas. Oul operations have enabled the Russianl to come into action and penetrate tht heart of West Prussia.
 Tt is to be regretted that the of fensive operations planned failed t achieve their purpose as result O difficulties impossible to foresee. I would have shortened the war, but ou defenses remain intaQt in the presence or an already weakened enemy.
 Abandon AIsace and Lorraine.
 Every Frenchman will dep1ore tn, temporary abandonment of portions O Alsace and Lorraine which we had oc cupied and certain parts of the na tfonal territory will suffer from event of which they will be the theatre.
 The ordeal is inevitable, but tenn porary. Thus, attachments of Ger man cavalry belonging to an unat tached division operating on the ex treme right, have penetrated t Roubaix Csix miles north of Lille). ant the Tourcofng district, which are de tended only by territorial reservists.
 Absolute Confidence in Victory.
 "Our valiant people will know hoy to find courage to support this trial with unfailing faith in final success which is not to be doubted. Tn tellini to the country the whole truth, tn government and military authoritie give it the strongest proof of their ab soIute confidence in victory whicl depends only on our perseverance, an, tenacity."