THE THREATENED BLOW IN THE WEST

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 109, 25 January 1918, Page 7

THE THREATENED BLOW IN THE WEST

CONFIDENCE IN FRANCE ENEMY CONCENTRATING IN LORRAINE „, „ . , , , * New York i January 28. The Pans correspondent of the New York "Times" writes:—"France is awaiting confidently the great German offensive on the West front which tip nation believes to be imminent. This will be the decisive, and, perhaps the final battle of the war. Mr. Joseph Reinach and other' writers are of opinion that Nancy will be one of the principal objectives of the enemy. It is known that the Germans are concentrating in Lorraine, but France has perfected her defences, and the enemy attack is doomed to failure." The Chicago "Daily News" correspondent on tho French front says there are serious differences between Von Hindenburg and Von Ludoutforff. It is believed that Von LudendorfT is opposed to a big offensive on the Western front.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ON.THE BRITISH FRONT SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT. London, January 23. Sir Douglas Haig reports successful patrol pneounters last niaht east vf Ypres. "The enemy raided a post south of St. Quontin. Tho hostile artillery was active at Cambrai. Our aeroplanes dropped over two hundred bombs during the night on aeroplanes near Courtrai and billets at Roulers ancj Kumbeke. We also made a. raid into Germany, and dropped two tons of bombs on the steel works of on tho railway sidings at Bensdnrf, and on the Arnavile junction." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Ueuter. (Rec. January 24,11.35 p.m.) London, January 24. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "We dispersed a small party that was making an effort to approach dispositions west of Villers-Guislain.' Another party which succeeded in entering our trenches north-west of La Bassee was ejected, leaving prisoners on our hands. Tho enemy also raided our sap west of La Bassee. There is hostile artillery firing between St. Quentin- and the Soarpe, and in the neighbourhood of Messines and Zonneheke."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. - IMPORTANT RAID ON THE FRENCH FRONT (Rec. January 25, 1..10 a.m.) London, January 24. A French official communique states:—"An important raid, after an intense bombardment, enabled tho Germans to gain a footing in an advanced element of our front lino east of Nieuport town, in Belgium."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. GERMAN OFFICIAL REPORT. ' (Rec. Januaiy 24, 8.10 p.m.) _ . , London, January 23. A German official report states: "Wo bent back in violent hand-to-hand fighting a French attack north of Souain and north-east of Avocourt."— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter.