PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 120, 7 February 1918, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Practically the whole of the German newspapers, it is stated to-day, declare that it is useless to continue the "comedy" of Brest Litovsk, and that M. Trotsky is fooling the Central Powers and ought forthwith, to hi brought to bis senses. This obviously is not an expression of German public opinion, but an attempt on the part of the German Government to shape public opinion by an active propaganda. Much recent news has gone to show that opposition to the policy of annexations is gathering bead in tho Central Empires and has become formidable. It is_ in. the highest degree e.ignificant in this conneotion that Germany and Austria have spent many weeks in futile negotiations at Brest Litovsk, well knowing tbem to be futile. Tho Press campaign now reported does not moan that any new discovery has been made, but it possibly means that the internal situation of the Central Empires is about to be tested, and Hie- outcome will be awaited with considerable interest. The only apparent obstacle to a separate peace with Russia is Germany's determination to annex the western provinces it that country. The Dual Monarchy has disavowed a policy of annexations, hut is probably no more honest in the matter than Germany, with her bogus projects for the creation of "independent" States. Presumably the negotiations with Russia have only neon continued because the rulers of the Central Empires shrink frorn the open and unqualified declaration in favour of annexations which would be implied iti the collapse of these negotiations. The German Press campaign reported to-day— it campaign which is ot course inspired by the Governmontr— suggests that it is now proposed to risk such a declaration, and it is to he seen what the effect will bo upon the war-weary populations of Germany and Austria-Hungary. * * * *.

According to a Washington message, tho announcement is permitted that American troops are located north-west of Toul, near St. Mihicl. The- latter town is at the apex of a German salient, extending to the Mftuso, which still appears'as a relic of the unsuccessful attempt made in the initial stages of the war to pierce the French eastern defences. That the Americans were located in Lorraine- was already known. The fact was announced a day or two ago by American Headquarters. But enemy reports transmitted some time ago indicated that American troops were holding a section of the

front near the border of French and German Lorraine. This sector lies cast of Nancy and about, 40 miles east of the area mentioned in today's report. It is, of course, quite possible that both the enemy report and the one now received arc accurate. To-day's message docs not say that American troops are located only on a sector near St. Mihiel, and the actual position may be that while one portion of the force under General Persuing has taken over a sector on the Lorraine border another is being schooled on a distinct section of the front.

The question raised is interesting chiefly because the region of the Lorraine border is of considerable strategic importance. American war commentators have hailed the reported presence of their countrymen on the Lorraine border as meaning that the American Expeditionary Force is destined to play the part of spearhead in one of the big offensives of the war. Though it is speculative, this assumption is based on grounds which are plausible, though they are not necessarily conclusive. By a:i advance from tiie Lorraine border the Allies would not only carry the war into the enemy's country, but would occupy territory which is vital to the enemy as a seat of mining and war industricf.

* # « * Hitherto the Allied offensive in the Western theatre has developed mainly in concerted attacks upon the flanks of the great salient formed by the, German lino in France. The offensive has reached its height in Flanders on tho north, and on the heights of tho Aisne and in the Champagne in the south. Taking the events of last year as a guide, the immediate aim of the Allies is to compel the enemy to abandon the .Belgian coast, and as a necessary consequence to evacuate an extensive area of Belgian and French territory to the south. Two suggestions have been advanced by those who regard the reported presence of American troops near the Lorraine border as indicating that the Allies meditate offensive action on a big scale in that region. One is that a forward movement in Lorraine may supplement the British drive in Flanders in the next stage of the offensive, both wings of the great German salieut in France and Flanders being attacked simultaneously. But it has, been suggested also that even if the Allies postpone an offensive in Lorraine they'.will have every incentive to attack' the enemy in that region Once they have succeeded in driving him away from the Belgian coast and have, compcllcd'him to readjust his line to the south. It is all-important meantime to compel an enemy retreat of this character because the Germans derive important advantages, from' their footing in' Belgium. But if the enemy weie deprived of theso advantages it would be the natural policy for the Allies to as speedily as possible extend their at present .limited occupation of German territory.