PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 62, 6 December 1917, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

To-day's reports show that tho battle on the Cambrai salient is far from being at an end, but the enemy's prospects are not improving as it continues. In the latest phase of the struggle the Gormans have gained a little ground—the village of La. Vacquerie, on the southern flank of the British salient, and a limited area east of Marcoing. These gains were mado at a cost which is represented in German corpses piled thickly on the battlefield. All reports agree that tho British troops are meeting the enemy's assaults in splendid heart and confidence. They are, as one correspondent points out, to an extent handicapped by being dependent upon such communications as have been established in the area devastated by the enemy in his retreat from the Somme, while the Germans have undamaged roads and railways behind them. But the bombardment to which Cambrai junction is now subjected must seriously impair the otherwise excellent communications by which tho enemy is served. Tho battle has already lasted long enough to suggest that whatever advantage he still enjoys in communications will not enable the enemy to prevail over British valour and organisation. The slight loss of ground which has been mentioned counts for little. _ An absolutely rigid defence against such attacks as the Germans aro making is impracticable. It may be taken for granted that to hold this or that position at all costs is no part of the British plan. The essential purpose is to subject the enemy to maximum loss, and if this purpose can be advanced by yielding a little ground the sacrifico is amply justified. The position is summed up to-day by M. Marcel Hutin: "Prince Bupprecht," he writes, "is apparently repeating against the British the methods employed by the Crown Prince at Verdun, with the same result—fearful hecatombs of dead in order to gain a few inches of ground."

A number of recent messages, including one which to-day gives, the substancc of a communique received by the American Secretary for War, suggest that the Germans are on the eve of a desperate attempt to reverse the trend of the war in the Western theatre and force a decision before the American, armies take their place in the line. It seems rather doubtful, however, whether Germany will givo this final proof of desperation. As information stands, any concentration she is capable of effecting on tho Western front would leave her in a decided inferiority, and it follows that in passing from the defensive to the offensive she would play directly into the hands of tho Allies. The attack on the Cambrai salient represents obviously a very determined effort to restore a weakened section of her line, and though it has thus far fared badly it may be continued. But the vigorous prosecution of this enterprise, would not necessarily imply that Germany had decided tn stake her remaining resources on the hope of forcing a decision oil the West front. As far as events have gone there is 110 needto search for her motive. She has an immediate and compelling motive in an anxious desiro to restore her line. It seems not unlikely that the stories current at present of an impending enemy offensive on an unprecedented scale aro inspired in part by an exaggerated estimate of the attack on the Cambrai salient, and the possibility must also be considered that tho enemy is spreading these stories with a view to cloaking preparations for offensive action in other theatres.

It is fairly certain that a continuation of the enemy's efforts against the Cambrai salient will give the signal for telling blows by the Allies on other sections of the front. They are well placed at many points to strike with effect. There aro suggestive reports to-day of intense bombardment on the French front in the. Champagne, but no word at the moment of writing of infantry attacks. Twice within the last few days, however, the British have made successful local attacks in Flanders. In one they gained some ground in the vicinity of Passchendaele and in tho other slightly advanced their line east of Yprcs. These events are to be considered with the fact in mind that in Flanders the Germans arc clinging desperately to fragmentary remnants of the high ground which formerly screened their front.

An unchanged situation is reported to-day in Italy. Tho general effect of the nows is to substantiate recent statements tlmt the Italians havo now organised an effective defensive line. In Palestine Genehai, Ai.lenby's troops ' arc apparently making steady though not rapid headway in tho campaign of which the next big event is likely to bo tho occupation of Jerusalem. The later news from Russia is bad. It points to the uninterrupted progress of negotiations between the Bolahoviki ancl the enomy, and there is no indication of any serious counter-move by the loyalists.