THE TASK AHEAD

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2928, 14 November 1916, Page 7

THE TASK AHEAD

KB ERRORS OF THE PAST A CANDID REVIEW "NO BREAK THROUGH THIS YEAR." Avistrallan-New Zealand Cable Association, London, November 12. Mr. ,T. L. Garvin, editor of tho 'Observer," says that it is possible that tho war will last beyond 1917, unless the Allies accomplish mighty things. The position is less favourable than in October. It is untrue that tho military collapse of the enemy is imminent. The enemy is able to collect enough men for another year's fighting. The indications are that there will he no break through in 1916 on tho West front, and it is unlikely that there will be even an extensive withdrawal from the German lines by Christmas. He blames the Allies' dilatoriness for blundering in the Balkans and adjacent ! theatres, also their fumbling, paralysing action towards King Constantino.' The Rumanians were mistaken in not crushing Bulgaria first, and severinc the connection between Berlin and Constantinople, enabling tho Allies to settle in turn, Turkev, Bulgaria, Austria, and Germany. Tl:e position was disagreeable, bnt.not disastrous. The hopes of the Allies will be postponed, hut not jeopardised.

Russia in 1917 will for the first time possess an equality in heavy guns, and an immense preponderance in human reserves. _ It is likely that Von Hiridonburg will make a crowning effort on theEast front before then. The Battle of the Somme practic.illv ceased a few weeks back. The Allies' advance lias, slowed down in a marked manner. There must be- a new hattle, with n. new character, before any imnortant chance, develons. There will be no break through the German lines this year, and this must force tho pvesumntiori- that the war will last far into 1918."