"THIS HAS BEEN A ROUGH WAR."

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2418, 25 March 1915, Page 5

"THIS HAS BEEN A ROUGH WAR."

SIR JOHN FRENCH STRESSES THE PROBLEM " MUNITIONS, AND ALWAYS MORE MUNITIONS" Paris, March 23. Field-Marshal Sir Jolin Frencn, interviewed by Hit*. liavan Agency (l>'roii<ili) said; —"This lias ijeon a rounh war, but tho problem is simple—.namely, munitions, and always nioio munitions. This is an essential condition to all progress. Tho Gentians need thorn more tliau tlio Allies, and must be economising. Tho German morale lias deteriorated, showing weariness, due to the collapse of thoir plans for a lightning victory, c,ud lack of food is hampering them." Sir John French added: "I do not believe in a protracted war. Tho spring has begun well for the Allies. The Jamp, foggy winter in nowise damped the British soldiers' good humour and cheerinees. !l'ho I'rench troops are in excellent form', and well provided for." "DEFINITE VICTORY AWAITS US," (Rec. March 25, 1.30 a.m.) Paris, March 24. Sir John French concluded: "I my. se)f, and all those with me, are con. vinced that at the end of tnree hard months of war, a definite victory awaits us." BIG BATTERIES BEFORE BIG BATTALIONS. LESSON OF NECJVE CHAPELLE. London, March 23. "Eye-Witness" with the British Headquarters in France emphasises the imperative necessity for securing tho highest possible output of guns and ammunition in Britain. "Nowadays Providenco lies on.,tho side of big batteries more than big battalions. Neuve Chapelle has shown that the strongest entrenched positions may be carried with less loss to tho attackers than to the defenders. If tho assault is not sufficiently prepared for liv the artillery, a counterattack to regain lost ground is almost bound to fail, with immense loss upon those attempting the original attack. —"Times" <ind Sydney "Sun" services. DRINK TRAFFIC AND WAR SUPPLIES. HOTELKEEPERS WILL HELP THE GOVERNMENT. (Rec. March 24, 5.25 p.m.) London, March 23. The hotelkeepers in Britain have announced that they will not oppose the proposed licensing restrictions, and will endeavour to assist the authorities to remedy the excessive drinking at centres of industry.—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" services. [Mr. Lloyd George recently complained that the excessive drinking of 60ine of the workers had materially retarded tho output of war material, and lie announced his determination to impose legislative restrictions to put down tho evil.]