FRENCH JOURNAL'S PREDICTIONS.

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

FRENCH JOURNAL'S PREDICTIONS.

(Received February 22nd. 8.20 p.m.) PARIS, February 21. The "Journal" states:— "It is believed that Cambrai will be one sector of the German offensive. Tho British right flank at Cambrai is particularly tempting." The "Echo de Paris" states:— "The German offensive will probably be between. Lillo and Cambrai, involving the engagement of from 60 to 80 divisions." ALL RANKS CONFIDENT. (Australian and N.Z, Cable Association.) (Received February 22nd, 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 21. In the House of Commons, Mr J. I. MacPherson, Under-Secretary to the War Office, said that although the Allies were at present superior in men and guns on the West front, the balance would soon favour the enemy, owing to his reinforcements from Russia. Already over 20 divisions had been transferred. We must be prepared for a determined enemy offensive. The necessary me-asures had beon taken, and complete confidence prevailed. All ranks were convinced that we would hold our own. ENEMY TROOPS POURING WESTWARD. AMSTERDAM, February 21. Reports from Liege state that man? trainloads of troops and guns have traversed Liege during the last three days, going westward. ARRIVAL OF AUSTRIANS AND TURKS. (United Service.) (Received February 23rd, 1.40 a.m.) LONDON, Fobruary 22. Turkish and Austrian troops have arrived on the West front. BRITISH FRONT EXTENDED. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 22nd, 11.33 p.m.) LONDON, February 21. The United Press Association's correspondent states that tho British on Tuesday took over another considerable sector of the front southward of St. Quentin, as far as tho Ohe River. NEW ZEALANDERS ACTIVE. LONDON, February 21. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—' "Eastward of Wood (five miles east of Ypres) tho New Zealanders carried out a successful raid early this morning. "A few prisoners were taken." BRILLIANT FRENCH ATTACK. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) tßeutor's Telegrams.) LONDON, Fobruary 21. A French communique states: — ''Oar detachments north of Bures and oast of Moncel, Lorraine, deeplv penetrated tho German lines on a wido front. The operation was brilliantlv carried out. The number of prisoners counted exceeds 400. v OVER 500 PRISONERS TAKEN. (Australian and .Y.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuier's Telegrams.) (Received February 22nd, 11.35 p.m.) LONDON, Februaiy 21. A French communique states:— "We took prisoners 525 men, includ-

iug 11 officers, in yesterday's operations in Lorraine.'' GERMAN INTRIGUE. WIDESPREAD PLOT IN THE AVAR ZONE. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) PARIS, Fobruary 21. "Figaro 1 ' states that an extensive "defeatist" organisation has been discovered at J*>t. Etienne. A Gorman, wine-seller, whoso customers were largely soldiers, has been arrested, and also liis Spanish wife-. Documents seized included a pass to the war zones. "Figaro" adds that the apparent object of the organisation is to raise insurrections during the German offensive. The St.. Etienno wine merchant apparently had relations with otlior agents in different regions. His pass was an unconditional safe-conduct tor a hawker and vehicle in any army zone. Documents showed that he would have received a largo sum if ho .succeeded in a certain dangerous enterprise. Officials are now deciphering numerous cipher messages.