PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 169, 6 April 1918, Page 8

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

The Germans are again attacking in strong force south of the Sommc, but it still seems likely that the next main development of their offensive may take shape well to the northward of that river. In the fighting reported to-day the .British repelled attacks at most points, but lost aiitfclo groundi.near Hamcl, on the south bank of (he Somme. The French, also, were . pressed back slightly on some parts of the front further south. Where he made progress, the enemy seems to have made it with very great difficulty and at heavy cost; As far as they- have gone, the events of. this latest stage of the battle.support the yiew that the Germans are now seriously handicapped by difficulties of- transport and supply on the southern part of the front, where they are far advanced from their original line, and have therefore a strong incentive to select a new point of attack. M. Marcel Hutin, who is usually well informed, is quoted to-day as expressing a belief that in view of tli" sacrifices involved in reaching Par by way of Amiens the Germans will now attack on another front, probably towards Arras or to "the north. There are a number of features in the existing situation which suggest that events are likely to take this direction. Not only would the enemy_ be under a less serious handicap in regard to transport if ho attacked in the north,' but the continued and_ undisturbed possession by the Allies of important vantage points in Northern France and FlandeiJs, constitutes a menace to the general stability of his line —a menace which will tend to become more serious as his operations further south develop and absorb and use up an increasing proportion of his reserves.

A late message shows that the Frcnch have . inflicted a smashing defeat on the enemy on tho front from Morouil southward. Though they had eleven divisions engaged and suffered terrible losses, the Germans have nothing more to show for their efforts'and sacrifices than a couplc of villages, one of them on the outskirts of Morouil, and the other standing a couple of miles south and slightly west of that town. The enemy seems to have suffered in this battle a defeat comparable with that lately inflicted on him by the British cast of the Yimy Ridge and Arras.

A. brief message, from Moscow declares that the Armenians have recaptured- Erzerum. The statement rests, d£ course, upon, soipe.what uncertain authority, but. it may quite possibly be true. Eeoent reports

have spoken of considerable forces of Armenians and Georgians operating in the Caucasus. If these irregulars have been successful to the point of ousting the Turks from lirzerum, the event is probably even more important as it bears upon general conditions in Turkey than in its immediate significance. There is fairly definite evidence that Turkey is jn a much worse plight than tlie relief she has obtained as a result of the Russian collapse might be supposed l to imply. According to the best available' information she is without military reserves, and the Young Turk Government is hampered not only by a general spirit of disaffection in the warweary population, but by wholesale desertions of troops. [The following statement by a Turkish reformer exiled in Switzerland throws sonle light on the position: — •' "The disorganisation which prevails in the Turkish Army is another factor, male-. ing for a separate peace. The number of Turkish deserters in Asia Minor cannot be fewer than • 200,000. and in spite of the menaces of l.lie German officers this number constantly grows: Do not misunderstand me. The Turk deserts not because ho is afraid, but simply because his eyes are opened to the real origin of the war and the futility of continuing it. The aim of our organisation is not merely to induce our nation to mako pence with the Allies, but to joinJhero against the Teutonic Powers. The Turkish people," lie added, "have been powerless witnesses- of this cruel extermination of their Armenian brothers by bandits, who deported and massacred hundreds of thousands. The slaughter of a million of innocent and peaceful citizens has revolted all liberal and patriotic Turks." With such .conditions existing it is quite "possible that Turkey lacks th'o' forces necessary' to effectively oc : cupyr Armenia, .and. also she is badly _placed to meet demands- in Palestine and elsewhere.