GIGANTIC CLASH OF ARMS

Dominion, Volume 10, Issue 2994, 3 February 1917, Page 9

GIGANTIC CLASH OF ARMS

. MIGHTY ARMIES ALLIES FULLY PREPARED London, February 1. Activity on the British and French front is increasing. Pending a gigantic clash of arms the mighty armies aro taking each others' measure. French critics,' who fully expect the 1917 cnmpaign to end the war, interpret the German attacks on January 30 as not only feelers, by which the German Staff is seeking to discover the well kept secrets of the Allies' plans, i>ut a prelude to a German offensive. The British and French Staffs aro fully prepared to cope with any German effort. General Sir Henry Rawlinson, in command of the 4th Army, in discussing a possible German offensive, said: "W,e have everything we need: If the Germans care to lose a few hundred thousand men to no purpose, we have no objection." Major Decivrieux, writing in "The Matin," points out that the mobility of the large British and French heavy artillery reserves is- assured by the railways and motor traction, and will enable a crushing surprise offensive to be directed against the enemy, while they are engaged in another sector. The Allies, hot content to be on the defensive, will thus absorb the enemy's effort and exhaust his effectives. —Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. decisiyelerTod near. Amsterdam, February 1. A T on Hindenburg is expected in Brussels to-day en route to Ghent and Flan"dcrs. Herr . von Bcthmann-Hollweg and Herr Zimmermann have returned to Berlin from headquarters, after lengthily debating the policy by land and sea. *The "Telegrqaf" declares _ that the most serious and decisive period of the war is about to begin.—Reuter. HARD TIMES AHEAD. - Amsterdam, February 1. The Kaiser in a proclamation thanks the people for their birthday express sions of loyaltv. and adds: "Hard times are ahead of the Fatherland, and our needs compel concentration of exceptional forces. The German people.will do their duty to the last man in the defence, of a righteous cause. lam confident God is with us and will give us victory."—Aus.-N.Z.' Cable Assn. GERMANY'S PREPARATIONS (Rec. February, 2, 5.50 p.m.)' Stockholm, February 1. The greatest secrecy is-being observed regarding Germany's war preparations. Neutral Attaches who. have returned from the front declare that nobody has been allowed to visit any front. Probably only the Kaiser and Generals Hindenburg and Ludendorff share the military secrets.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. '