READY TO STRIKE

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16142, 21 February 1918, Page 7

READY TO STRIKE

HINDENBURG'S threat against PARIS.

RUSSIA ACCEPTS ENEMY PEACE DEMANDS.

4th YEAR—2O4th DAY

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

j READY TO STRIKE. j GERMANY'S GREAT BLOW AT HAND. (By Cable.—Press Association. —Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 19. Mr Philip Gibbs says:— "At any moment we may seo the beginning of the enemy's last desperate effort to end the war by a decisive victory. "Undoubtedly the offensive which has for long been preparing is now imminent. Detailed information from prisoners leaves no doubt about that. "Our aviators for some time past have reported terrific industry and nervous tension behind the German lines.' "All leave has bean stopped for German officers and men. 'The Germans are drugged—thev aro under the spell of a frightful secret dope. Germany to-day is a nation with bloodshot eyes and the high temperature of fever—buoyed up to tho last resistance against the despair which is eating into its heart. "Our men will not fail, whatever the cost.'' OFFENSIVE EXPECTED IMMEDIATELY. LONDON, February 19. The German offensive is expected immediately on the West front. The enemy will use tanks and now gases. SUCCESSFUL BRITISH ACTIVITIES. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) "LONDON, February 19. Sir Douglas Haig reports: — "We successfully raided enemy positions on three sectors of our front. Irish troops entered trenches south-east-ward of Epehy and brought back prisoners. The Canadians made a successful raid, capturing five prisoners southward of Lens. Lancashire, Border, and Yorkshire troops raided positions on a wide front in the southern portion of tho Houthulst Forest, killing a large number and capturing 27 men and a machine-gun. Our casualties were plight.'' THE FRENCH REPORT. ' (Reuter'a Telegrams.) LONDON, February 19. A French communique reports "There was violent artillery activity during the night in the region south of the Forest of St. Gobain, in the soctor of Chavignon, and north-west of Bezonvaux."