The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1916-1920, 1918-09-27

Advices received in Serbian diplomatic
circles here to-day show that the Bull
garan troops in the region of Lake
Ochrida, toward the western end OF the
Macedonian front, are virtually encir-
cled by the Italians. advancing in the
direction OF Kichevo. and the Franco
Serbian forces. moving from Monastir
toward Krushevo. The fall Of Krushevo
is expected hourly.
The only means of exit for the Bull
garians here Is narrow passage be-
tween Kichevo and Krushevo. (This body
comprises the First Bulgarian army
The army seems doomed to destruction
or surrender. or to retreat into AL
hania, as the allied heavy artillery now
Installed northwest OF Monastir COM
mands the passes in the other direction.
The official statement from the French
War Office. issued to-day. says:
Eastern Theatre, Sept. 24---In spite
of the arrival OF new German troops
the enemy continues his retreat toward
the north. Strong rear guard detach-
ments are resisting strongly.
Northwest OF Monastir on the left
wing OF the allied forces. We have
passed Prilep and advanced on the
roads toward Krushevo, Kichevo and
Neles.
In the centre Serbian forces have
taken the massif OF Popadija, TO the
east Of Dabuna. land have gained
ground to the west Of the Cerna River
We have enlarged the bridgchead
north Of the Vardar and are on the
heights between the Nardar and the
Kriva Lakavitsa, which the enemy is
hastily crossing.
On the right wing French. British
and Greek troops have launched strong
advance guards northward along the
Nardar toward Gradets and Budova.
They have taken the massif of Kara
Bail, north of Lake Dorian.
Booty captured Is being augmented
necessarily. During September %
more than thirty new cannon were
captured and also large amount OF
railway material.
Bulgnrians Resist at Points.
The review OF the first days fghting
in this attack shows that II is not a
case OF the Allies chasing an enemy
who was willing TO retreat. on Sep
sember IS Greek and British forces at
tackled on either side OF Lake Dorian.
which lies almost at the eastern eX-
tremity OF the present line. West OF
the lake the Allies captured the ridge
running from Dorian town westward,
but the allied left was driven back
Some Bulgarian outposts east OF the
lake were captured, but all attacks
against the Bulgarian main line were
frutless. The next day the allied troops
gained n little more ground west Of
the lake, but were unable TO hold all
their gains. The Bulgarians are de-
scribed as having put up a determined
resistance in the fierce fighting.
The next day, however. the Serbs,
French and Ito fans broke the Bull
garian front further westward. and the
Bulgarians began general retreat
along the whole line. which since has
developed into a rout Tile reports of
prisoners and guns taken are not sur
prising. owing to the rapid advance of
the Allies and the centring OF all the
allied energies in getting 10 their OBJ
jeCtves.
1t was reported this afternoon that
Italian cavalry had reached the road
running from Prilep westward. which
affords the only avenue through the
mountains for the escape of the first
Bulgarian army, which is considered 10
be in a most dangerous position.
1t is pointed out that prior to the
beginning of this push the Allies had
no great superiority in numbers and
that they face a stupendous task IN
maintaining communications through
the fifty miles they have penetrated.
rough.
bulgarian Recovery Doubtful.
Even should the Allies not take Uskub
or II there should be some other develop