13 FEBRUARY 1915, Page 1

Before we leave the eastern theatre of the war we

must note that a Petrograd telegram on Thursday states that is East Prussia a concentration of very great German forces has been definitely established, and that a vigorous offensive is there developing. In view of this concentration of strength the Russian troops are falling back from the line of the Mazurian Lakes towards their own frontier. That unquestion- ably is a disappointing item of news. It does not follow,

however, that the results will be serious, or in any way endanger the Russian main position. It may well happen, indeed, that if the Germans press their local advantage too far, they may, as on previous occasions in this war, find themselves seriously compromised by their premature advance.