PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 222, 7 June 1918, Page 4

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

To-day's reports show that although the enemy is persisting in fierce attacks on some parts of the front between the Oise and the Marne—attacks which have entailed extremely heavy losses, without .appreciably improving his position— the pace of the'battle has upon the whole definitely slowed. It is .agreed by French and other commentators that the pause will last only while the enemy'is bringing up artillery and supplies and generally renewing his preparations for attack, but there is a general opinion also that the Allies will be much bettor placed to deal with the enemy's onslaught when it comes than they were in the earlier passages of the campaign. This opinion seems to be well grounded in view of the apparent necessity the enemy is under of renewing his attacks on tho present battlefront, where the Allies arc raising .formidable barriers to his further progress. It seems practically certain that the enemy must still concentrate upon efforts to open out the western face of his salient, between the Aishe and the Marne, and on tin; front in question he will hardly spring any further surprise. There are some expectations of an attack farther north, between the Oise and the Somme, but it seems likely that if the enemy attacks in this region it will b« as part of an offensive comprehending the front as far south as the Marne.

Looking to the prospects of conflict on a pigantic scale which arc now opening, it is necessary to take account of the enemy's total available resources and not merely of those wliich ho has already brought to bear or is holding in immediate reserve. The possibility cannot, for instance, be overlooked that.a considerable force of Austrians may be available, and is perhaps being held in readiness. The fact that no offensive has yet been attempted 'against Italy is decidedly significant in this connection, and it Mould not be surprising if Germany, elected to use Austrians in France or Flanders instead of in the Austro-Italian theatre. The possibility, however, is so obvious that it may be assumed quite confidently that the Allies have taken full account of it in shaping their plans. No strong body of Austrians is likely to be moved to the Franco-British front, or its near neighbourhood without the Allied command becoming aware of the fact. It is only reasonable to suppose also that the Supreme. War Council made all nccessaryl allowance for the introduction of Austrian reinforcements when it stated that thanks to the measures taken for the transportation and brigading of Americans the enemy will be unable to wear out the Allied reserve before exhausting his own.

A most important declaration in regard to Poland and one w.hicli is likely to be heartily supported by America has bom made by the Prime Ministers of Great Britain, France, and _ Italy. ■ They aflirm that the creation, of an independent Polish.State, with freo access to the sea, constitutes ono of the coiidi-

tions of a solid and just peace and the rule of right in Europe. At the same time they associate themselves with America in expressing sympathy with the nationalist aspirations of the Czecho-Slavie and Jugo-Slavic peoples—the Slay races now in political bondage in the Dual Monarchy. The declaration is not an explicit statement that satisfaction of the national aspirations of the Poles and the Slav races of Ausfcria-Hungary will be insisted upon | a.s a condition precedent to peace. Its chief value and significance arc perhaps as a positive indication that the Allies are prepared to champion and support the just claims of these races if they show themselves capable of an effort on their own behalf, and from this point of view its effects may be potent. Neither the- Poles nor the Slav races of the Dual Monarchy can accomplish much while the Central Powers are in a position to maintain existing conditions by military force, but a time is, approaching when tho whole of Germany's military resources and possibly those ■ of Austria as well wilJ Iμ absorbed in the Western campaign. With matters in l.hat stab a revolt of the enslaved Slav race? might become a formidable reality. It is probably only by a revolt of these races which Would make it possible for the Entente to champion their claims that their historic wrongs can lie rightccTj and undoubtedly a peace which left the Central Powers their present dominant position in Eastern Europe would be fatally defective. It is, therefore, at least possible that fhe declaration of the Allied Premiers marks the initiation of developments of far-reaching importance, in their bearing on the final phase of the war and on conditions of poace. _ The declaration regarding Poland is notable for the comprehensive rerms in which it is cast. Bead literally, it implies that Poland redeemed should include Galicia and also that part of ancient Poland which is embodied in Prussia and extends to the Baltic, or, at all events, as regards the latter territory, that German sovereignty should be so far modified as to give Poland free access, to the sea. Such a declaration made on behalf of the Allied nations seems well calculated to bring the Polish national movement to a head.

The of British shipyards for. May constitutes a record,' and if the same rate were maintained for a year the output of the best prosvar year would be considerably exceeded. It is likely that the'rate will be not only" maintained but increased, though the increase may not.be steady from nlonth to month. It is pointed out that the good results achieved in May arc in part accounted for by the rapid completion of vessels, but no doubt speeding up is possible also in the earlier stages. of ship construction.