THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16145, 25 February 1918, Page 7

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

THE COMING CONFLICT.

EFFECT OF THE RUSSIAN

SITUATION

(By Cable—Press Association —Copyright.) (Renter's Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) February 23. The "Manchester Guardian" contends that the German advance in Russia must modify her offensive on tho Western front, as it will absorb a large army, with long lines of communication, which well bo exposed to guerilla warfare. An attack on the Western front is still probable, but unless tho Germans gain a remarkablo initial success, they will not attempt a formal break-through, or to koep up an attack month after month. The attacks will be local and brief. GREAT ARTILLERY BATTLE BEGINS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 22. A great artillery battle has begun along the entire French front. BOMBARDMENT OF BRITISH FRONT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "Hostile artillery is active in the neighbourhood of the Arras-Cambrai road, and at La Bassee and Ypres." Later. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "Scottish troops carried out a successful raid at Moncliy le Proux (east of Arras). "Hostile artillery activity continues." LONDON, February 22. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "We repulsed raiders southward of Armentieros. Patrols elsewhere brought in a number of prisoners. "The enemy artillery is active in the neighbourhood of St. Quentin, tho Arras-Cambrai road, Lons, Armentieres, and Ypres. "A break in the weather has prevented flying, except for artillery observation." BAD WEATHER PREVENTS FIGHTING. (Received February 25th, 12.50 a.m.) LONDON, February 24. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "Wo repulsed several enemy raids. "Hostile artillery is activo at various points. "Bad weather is preventing much fighting." NEW BRITISH FRONT. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON, February 22. Tho southern extremity of tlio British front is now opposite La Fore. Tho recent extension, which is nearly 12 milo3 in length, and includes tho whole of the St. Quentin salient, economises the French man-power, liberating considerable forces for service elsoj where. The new sector has hitherto been a quiet part of the front, No Man's Land in some places Being 1000 yards wide. BELGIANS REPULSE ATTACK. (Received February 24th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, February 22. A Belgian communique states:— "After a violent bombardment enemy detachments attackod our advanced posts in the region of Kleostermolen, but failed to reach our lines." OFFICIAL FRENCH REPORT. (Australian and Cable Association,) (Reuter'a Telegrams.) LONDON. Fobruarv 22. A French communique states:— "There has been fairly lively reciprocal artillery activity on tho whole front, especially in tho regions of Pmon, Vauxaillon, Malmaison, Geudecourt, and Bntte du Mesnil. "Three German aeroplanes were brought down, and two forced down into their own lines, seriously damaged." BELGIUM THE PIVOT OF THE WAR. (Reuter'3 Telegrams.) (Received Fobruarv 24th, 5.5 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, Februarv 22. Addressing the Fatherland Party, Grand Admiral von Tirpitz declared: "Wo must show our superiority in tenacity. The Western Powers constitute our greatest danger. Unfortunately intensive 6ubmarinism was so long delayed that the enemy's countermeasures will impede its speedy effect. Wp, however, shall hold out longer than England. He added that Belgium remained the pivot of the war. The cable news in this issue accredited to "Tho Times" has appeared in that journal, but only where expressly stated is each news the editorial opinion of "Xhr Times."