13 JANUARY 1917, Page 1

Since our last issue the Germans have captured Braila, one

of the chief Rumanian granaries, though we fancy that they found it innocent of grain. They have also taken Focsani, which seemed to be doomed when we last wrote. By the capture of Focsani they have turned the western end of the Sereth fortified line. It must be remembered, however, that the river Sereth itself is behind this fortified line. The Russians have fallen back beyond the river, and here the Germans are at the moment checked. The latest German despatch we have seen reports at this point " no change."