THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16144, 23 February 1918, Page 9

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

THE COMING CONFLICT. ALLIES READY"FOR BATTLE. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) WASHINGTON, February 21. A communique issued bv Mr Newton I>. Baker (Secretary for War) states "The Germans hope to deliver a crushing blow by massing shock troops, trained for mobile warfare, but the bulk of Germany's "West front forces are wholly ignorant of West front fighting methods. "The Allies are ready for battle." HIGH MILITARY AUTHORITY'S VIEWS. (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 22nd, 8.20 p.m.) LONDON, February 21. ' A high military authority states:— "Though'there is much talk of the coining offensive, no definite indications bring it any nearer. The most satisfactory feature on the West front is our continued success in tho air, which is of the utmost importance as the preliminary to any battle." Referring to the air raids on London, the authority states:— "Sincc the beginning of the year we have carried out 15 raids into Germany—all with definite results—as against Germany's five on England, two of which wero abortive. "The latest instance of tho enemy's propaganda is visible in Germany's using great influence in Switzerland. In connexion with the protest against the use of poisonous gas, wo are ready at any moment to relinquish it."