Roumania:--The Germans advancing on Braila, the grain port on the Danube, are checked by the Russians at Botogu. Dec. 19 (Tues.) Mr. Lloyd George announces the attitude of the British Government and of the Allies towards the German peace proposals: 'restitution, reparation, and a guarantee against repetition' are declared essential. Dec. 20 (Wed.) A Peace Note from President Wilson is communicated to the belligerents (see Dec. 25). Dec. 21 (Thur.) Sinai Peninsula:--The British occupy El Arish. The British destroyer _Negro_ is sunk by collision in the North Sea. Dec. 23 (Sat.) Sinai Peninsula:--The British capture the strong Turkish position of Magdhaba, near the Syrian border: 1300 prisoners and 7 guns are taken. Dec. 25 (Mon.) Germany replies to President Wilson's Peace Note, ignoring his request for the statement of terms but proposing that Peace Delegates should be summoned immediately. Dec. 26 (Tues.) General Joffre is created a Marshal of France. The British take over more trench-line on the Western Front. Roumania:--The Germans capture Rimnic-Sarat. Dec. 27 (Wed.) The French battleship _Gaulois_ is sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean. Dec. 28 (Thur.) Roumania:--Further German successes at Rimnic-Sarat: 10,000 prisoners are taken. Dec. 29 (Fri.) Rasputin, the notorious Russian monk, is assassinated. Dec. 30 (Sat.) The Allies reply to the German peace proposals, which they describe as empty and insincere, with a direct negative (see Dec. 12 and 18). 1917 Jan. 1 (Mon.) Sir Douglas Haig is gazetted a Field Marshal. East Africa:--The British storm a strong enemy position in the Mageta Valley and approach Kilambawe. The British transport _Ivernia_ is sunk by a submarine in the Mediterranean. Jan. 2 (Tues.) The Roumanian Cabinet is reconstituted with M. Bratiano as Premier. Jan. 3 (Wed.) A Russian success in the Southern Bukovina (600 prisoners). Jan. 4 (Thur.) East Africa:--The British occupy the German camp on the Tshogowali River. Jan. 5 (Fri.) Roumania:--The Austro-Germans capture Braila. Mesopotamia:--The Second Battle of Kut-el-Amara begins (see Feb. 24). East Africa:--The British reach Kilambawe, on the north bank of the Rufiji River. Jan. 7 (Sun.) The Russians make a successful advance near Riga. Jan. 8 (Mon.) The Allies present an ultimatum to Greece repeating former demands (see Jan. 16). Roumania:--The Austro-Germans capture Focsani and 5500 prisoners; the Sereth line is thus turned. The Dobrudja is finally evacuated by the Russians and Roumanians. Jan. 9 (Tues.) The Allies reply to President Wilson's Note, stating their terms of peace. Resignation of M. Trepoff, the Russian Premier; he is succeeded by M. Golitzine. The Russians continue to advance in the Riga district. Syria:--Australian mounted troops and the Imperial Camel Corps capture a strong enemy position at Rafa (the Battle of Rafa). Jan. 11 (Thur.)