FRENCH ATTACK IN BELGIUM

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 27, 26 October 1917, Page 5

FRENCH ATTACK IN BELGIUM

ALL OBJECTIVES CARRIED. London, October 23, 8 p.m. A Flench official report slates: "In Belgium this morning we attacked to the. left of the British forces over a kilometre (five-eighths of a mile) of front. We took aiT our objectives, and have appreciably progressed northward of Veldhoek." —Aus.-!\ T iZ. Cable Assn.-Reutcr. THE GERMAN REPORT. London, October 24.. A German official message states: "Our • counter-attack almost completely, ejected the enemy from our defences' on the southern edge of Houthulst Wood." —Aus.-N.ft. Cable Assn.-lteuter. FIGHTING ON THE MEUSE ' COSTLY AND FRUITLESS ATTACK. BY THE ENEMY. London, October 24. A .French official communique states: "A violent attack .north-oast of' Hill 341 or the right of the Meuso was repelled after a desperate light. The enemy obtained, a footing in our advanced line, but was driven out. Our line was entirely restored. A German attempt ou Hie Cauricics Crest' failed, with heavy losses."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reutcr. THE WAR ODDS IN NUMBERS " GERMANY'S WANING STRENGTH REVIEWED. (Eec. October 25, 7.15 p.m.) i London, October 24. fMonel Repington (the "Times" military ' correspondent) has visited the Americans at the front. Be says that General Pershing could put his divisions into tho line now, but that he is resolved to perfect his armies before undertaking a gigantic battle. All supplies for troops are coming from America also, even preat quantities of rolling-stock. Dealing with the general position. Colonel Repington says: "The ascertainable figures show that the chances of Germany winning by dint of numbers has long since passed. The German fighting strength is now 5,750,000, of wliich-2,200,000 are in the West, 1,200,000 in the East, and the balance in depots, garrisons, and administrative services. Probably there are half a million of reserves, including 380,000 of the partly-trained 1919 class, ivliich, with tho recovered wounded men, only are available for reinforcements. If the fighting in 1918 is on a similar scale to this and last year, Germany will bo compelled to use her 1920-21 classes next year, or weaken and reduce her divisions. She will probably mrfko superhuman efforts this winter to equal tho British artillery output and beat us in the air, but this will not make easier .the maintenance of her infantry strength ."—The "Times."