The Birmingham age-herald., 1916-07-07
Germans Are Turning Their Attention to French and
 Attacking Hard
AUSTRIANS ADMIT
 SERIOUS DEFEAT
Five Thousand Germans Taken Pris- oner by the Slavs in Battle Along the Dneister and Withdrawal of
 Von Bothmer Is Admitted

Violent counter attacks by the Ger mans on almost the entire line of the French advance in the Somme region show change in the situation from the earlier days of the Anglo French of- fensive. In the beginning the Germans concentrated their forces against the British, apparently considering the op- erations of the French to the south as of small significance But the rapid movement of the French troops, together with the importance of the objective for which they are aiming, has had the eff feet of changing the German view and causing the German commanders to strengthen their defenses and forces along the line guarding Peronne and other important strategic points
 Both ends of the French line have been under heavy attacks, but the French according to the official &C., counts, have been able to put them down without the Germans making any gains whatever. Meanwhile both French and British are consolidating their positions and are undoubtedly making preparations for a repetition of the great gombard- ment which preceded the first impetuous rush.
 While the situation in the Verdun re- gians remains comparatively quiet, there are heavy bombardments on both sides of the Mouse. No advances are recorded by either French or Germans.
 BRITISH ARE RETICENT
 The British official statement gives few details, merely remarking that ''as made further progress at certain points .ins the main battle area
 The immensity of the Russian drive against the Austrians and Germans dur ing the last month is indicated by un- official reports from Petrograd which say that the Austro- German losses in the endeavor to stay the advance of General Brissiloff's armies total nearly half million men. but half of whom are prisoners. Not less than 250 guns of various sizes and more than 700 machine guns and an immense quantity of other booty have been taken.
 The Austrians admit serious defeat west of kolomea, where they were driven back nearly five miles.
 The latest official statement from the Russian war office announces the cap- ture of approximately 10000 additional prisoners, 5000 of whom are said to be Germans, taken in recent battle on the Dniester About 5000 other prisoners were captured on other sections of the Russian front.
 The Germans admit the withdrawal of General Won Bothmers army in the Tarnopol sector before the powerful at- Jacks of the Russians They concede also an advance by the British south of Thiepval, in the western zone.
 David Lloyd George, whose untring ef- forts have been responsible for the im- mense quantities of shells the entente allies now are hurling at their opponents, has taken over the duties of secretary for war in the British cabinet Sid Ed ward Grey, the foreign secretary, has been made an earl, while Lord Derby, director of recruiting, who helped to cre- ate the British armies, is the new under secretary for war.
 COUNTER ATTACKS REFUSED
 Paris, July 6.-Violent counter attacks by the Germans on the French lines on both banks of the Somme were repulseo with heavy losses to the attackers ac- cording to the official statement issued by the French war office tonight
 The statement follows:
 "On both sides of the Somme the en- emy endeavored today to recapture the two ends of the line held by the French. (Continued on Page seven)