GERMAN STRATEGY.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15047, 15 August 1914, Page 13

GERMAN STRATEGY.

A VALUABLE EXPOSITION.

(By Colonel Foster, Director of Military Studies, University of Sydney, in the "Sydney Morning Herald.")

Although the plans of the German General Staff for the war with Prance are highly secret, there are many fa<v tors which combine to throw much light on the shape the first German operations will assume. The enbject has naturally been tho constant study of the French General Staff, and ako of the Belgians, so vitally interested in the matter. The problem has been to determine the localities where each portion of the German armies will be directed to by railway, after their mobilisation has been completed in their homo quarters, and then "to forecast the roade which they wil ltake,in advancing against the French Army.

Tho factors which have enabled this problem to be solved with every probability of accuracy may be ehortly described under the following heads: —

I.—The disposition of the German Army in peace, and its strength, and organisation.

2.—What is known about its mobilisation and method of concentration.

3.—The railway network leading from the Army Corps districts to the frontier, and the stations which have been prepared for detraining troops.

4. —The roads leading from these stations which may bo used as lines of operations directed at the French Army.

5. —The exiting fortresses and fortifioatioas near the frontier, and, most important of all, an anticipation of the methods of German strategy deduced from its action in late wars.