1 JANUARY 1916, Page 9

The situation on the Eastern front remains somewhat obscure as

regards the North, and actually mysterious in respect of the South. What apparently is happening in the North is this. The Germans have entirely abandoned any idea of a further advance, and have to be content with fortifying their trench line as strongly as possible in order that thereby they may be able to hold up the Russian attack when it comes. The Russians, however, are not yet in a position to attack, partly owing to thu weather, and still more because, though they aro now becoming well supplied with newly trained men, rifles, shell, and machine guns, they know that they will have still more of them by March. They prefer not to move till they are sure of an over- whelming superiority.