TAKING STOCK ON THE WESTERN FRONT

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 230, 17 June 1918, Page 5

TAKING STOCK ON THE WESTERN FRONT

CRITICAL REVIEWS OF THE .RECENT FIGHTING

OUR POSITION STEADILY IMPROVING By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright. London, Juno 13. The German attacks on Wednesday north, of the Aisne u " ere . I'ci'ulsed with terrible loss, largo numbers or' German dead being left on the field. J-no «ermans attempted to deceive the i'rench by sending out numbers ot unarmed men, who pretended to be about to surrender. When near the I'rench lines tuo men fell flat, and revealed tho advancing armed Germans with machine-guns. The French opened a murderous fire, and the Germans retreated, live divisions were identified between the Aisne and Villers Cotterets iorest yesterday. It is estimated that the Germans lost twenty, thousand men—Aus.-N.Z. table Assn. POSITION STABILISED, (Rec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 1';. The Australian Press Association correspondent learns that the position on the Western front has ken stabilised.-Aus.-i\'.. Cable Assn. A COSTLY GERMAN REVERSE (Rec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) i 1 London, June 11. Mr. George Perris, writing from the front, says: "Local actions westward of the Oise ended in a costly German reverse, in spite of a gam ot ground varying from two to six miles, which demonstrates the brilliant success of Allied . generalship." —Aus.-N.Z. (table Assn. ATTACK ON THE AMERICANS SHARPLY REPULSED .... .. (Bee. Juno ,iS, 5.5. p.m.) ; Washington, Juno 14. The Germans attacked the Americans on Thursday at Chateau Thierry, but failed to gain ground, and left many dead on the held, A party of fifty Germans surrendered under a flag of truce. It is believed that the Germans havo ordered new cavalry divisions to the American front—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. THE OFFICIAL REPORTS LULL IN THE FIGHTING. ' London, June 14, 3.50 p.m. A French communique states: "Only local actions occurred last night. We made -several successful raids north of Grivesnes. In the region of Uourcelles ■wo mad© progress near Dcslogos 1 arm. A hostile attack in. i he region ot Antheuil completely failed. Between the Forest of Villers Cotterets aucl Chateau Thierry the artillery duel continued actively during the night. --Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.-Reuter. (Rec. June lb, 5.5 p.m.) ' London, June 14. A French official communique states: "There is mutual artillery activity between Jlontdidier and the Oise/ and also south of the Aisne and 'near Cham- ' plat-Bligny.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 15, 2.15 a.m. : A French official communique states: '"There was no infantry action today. The artillery duel is fairly lively, at- Hangar Wood, south of the Aisne, and in the region .between Villers Cotterets and Chateau Thierry. To tho material captured "from the enemy on June 11 tho following must be added: Nine guns, including seven heavy guns, and forty machine-guns."—Atis.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. ON THE AMERICAN FRONT London, June 11. An American communique states: "We captured the last German position in the Belleau Wood on Wednesday afternoon. Heavy enemy attacks on Thursday on a front of a mile and a half on the line of Belleau and Boursches, preceded by intense artillery fire, completely broke down, leaving our positions intact. The enemy's losses were severe. Our airmen on Wednesday night effectively ■bombed Dommary and Baroncourt stations, north-west of Metz. All the machines returned."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assu.-Reuter. (Kec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) Londpn, June 11. An American official report states: "Thero is heavy reciprocal artillery firing, including gas-sholling, northward of Chateau Thierry. Our aviators shot down two hostile machines."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Heuter. ATTACK ON THE BRITISH London, June 11, 2.5 p.m. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "A strong attack was made early to-day upon our new post south of Merris, but was completely repulsed. There is active (hostile artillery fire on the Villers Bretonneux sector and in the Scarpe Valley."—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) • London, June 11. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "French patrols northward of Bailleul brought in a few prisoners during the night."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. (Rec. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) i , - London, June 15. Sir Douglas Haig reports: English and Scottish battalions took 60 prisoners in successful local operations northward of Bethuno. Successful raids on tho Villers Brotonnegux sector yielded a few prisoners. We repulsed an attempted " raid on our post at Aveluy Wood. Local night fighting occurred eastward of the Forest of Nieppe."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. I THE GERMAN REPORT (Rec. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 14. A wireless German official report states: "Wo repulsed French attacks between Voormezeelo and Vierstra'at, taking 150 prisoners. Wo repulsed counterattacks in the neighbourhood of Courcalles and Mery, and also in the Main legion. We penetrated tho Forest of Villers Cotterots. Tho Crown Prince since May 27 has captured 1050 guns."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Ason.-Reuter. COMMENT ON THE SITUATION

"ENEMY SEEMS TO HAVE ACCEPTED DEFEAT." , , . London, Judo It. Router's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on the evening of iTune 13 says: "Tho only enemy move to-day was an unsuccessful attack at Courcelleg The enemy seems to have accepted defeat along tho rest of tho front between Montdidier and tho Oise. The Gernnn advance during tho past fivo days' battle lias been along and oust of tho. Matz Valley. They were not only stopped west of the valley, but in some eases were driven back beyond their ordinal lina of departure. Their progress elsewhere was duo tn topographical" conditions, which favoured tho enemy. A decisive episode was tho counter-attack on our loft wing on Tuesday, which frustrated the enemy's effort to gain a front lino near onough to bombard Paris with ordinary guns. Their intention on Tuesday was to straighten out the lino on their right wing between Ressons-sur-Matz and the Montdiaier-Senhs railway. When the news of the successful French counter-attack reached the German Headquarters tho same evening tho enemy opened the diversion on the sector between the Aisuo Sillers CgtterflWr-Bwiter,

MR. ASQUITH REVIEWS THE CRISIS "WE HAVE REACHED A CRITICAL POINT." (Roc. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, .Tunc. ]l. Mr. Asquifcli, who was (lie guest of (ho Aldwych Club, had an ontliu.-hi>lie reception. During the course of his speech lio saul tuac it was cl ";" tiio linked fact that wis had reached a critical point in the fortunes ot v ie:var. lie however, wished to say decisively, without bnivado, tliat jiotlimjf had happened oil tlio Western front since the end of Alnich winch could weaken our allegiance to tlio great causo wo were fighting for or our determination, to piess o i to victory. .Fighting against superior numbers, under unfavourable .lomliuisito, wo had stubbornly contested every mile, mid our retirement was not by a. singlo ti'ace of panic or demoralisation. Our withdrawal wa» concliic en with coolness, gallantry, and an unfailing readiness to take advantage <>• the opportunities for counter-attack. "The tide of invasion has not .vet steamed, be said. We should therefore try to imagine our feelings if the enemy were ;w dose (o London as ho is near Paris. Tiieu wo.would be able to mc.nure lite perils ami anxieties of our gallant A'ilies. ft would be folly to attempt lo torecast the pending strategic developments, but there was a situation ot equal gravity at tho beginning of the war. ' That threat was brought to nothing by coun-ter-strokes of genius and audacity. And the Future? Tho way the enemy had dealt with Bussia and Rumania showed that Germany's triumph would bo tlio death-knell to all democratic ideals, uerman methods of warfare had brought the United States into the entry into the conflict was introducing new methods in world affairs. file okl diplomacy must take its placo among tlio antiquities, interesting only to collectors and dealers. It was useless to attempt to forecast the future, but the only peace worth making or taking was ono which would open a now road free ot 101 l to all peoples, great or small—a road which was safeguarded by the common will ;ind_conimon power of al! nations for tho future progress ot humanity, the British Empire had already raised an army of seven millions, and spent seven thousand millions in money, yet had dono this without any selfish object except perhaps in self-defence. Tho verdict of history would require that such sacrifices were not made in vain. Personally he thought we had reached a stage ol war when there should bo no fear iii laying before (ho people the actualities ot tlio situation, whether favourable or adverse. Tho British all over the wrold wero ready to face with clear eyes and cool nerves any conjunction of circumstances, but "if the ti'utli were told there was a reciprocal duty oil the public. \\ar had always provided ail atmosphere for absurd and cheaper forms of advertisement, sensation-niongering, and cruder things in public life. These at times had touuil a ready market among people of low intelligence and high credulity. (Cheers and laughter.) Tho real danger, however, was not in this direction, but the fear .that in the stress of daily bulletins recording doubtful battles and occasional yielding® of ground we were tempted to lose our sen.se of proportion. Ino public must take largo views,, and not distort things. There was ne\er a tune when honest, patriotic criticism was more valuable. If we kept our eyes fixed and our hearts set ou (lie great and dominating purpose to which we had consecrated our energies we might rely with certainty that they would bu achieved.—Aus.-N.15. Cable Assn. LATEST BATTLE HAS NOW ENDED f ______ ENEMY'S OFFENSIVE POWER STEADILY DECLINING. Cltec. June 10, 5,5 p.m) Paris, June 15. A semi-official report assumes that tho latest battle has now ended. "Jiach successive offensive has been of less duration, on a narrower front, and a-ields less ground. The resistance is proving more effective, and the German losses are proportionately aggravated. Still, there is no doubt that the Wicmy will renew his offensive all tho more hastily because, ho is weakening from day to day, whereas our reserves are being incessantly increased by the Americans.Keuter.

MENACE LESS FORMIDABLE THAN BEFORE GENERAL MAURICE'S OPINION. tßec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 14. General Maurice, reviewing th<j situation at the end of the fourth phase of the German offensive, says! "Tho Allied lino has been lengthened by seventy miles as compared with its front is the middlo of March, thus necessitating the employment of from sixteen to eighteen more Allied divisions thunwero in the line before the 1918 campaign. Thereforo, apart from our losses in battle, tho attacks have caused a sorious drain on Foch's reserves. Tho enemy also lias increased his front, but not to tho same extent, because lie is everywhere inside the. curve. Tho battlea ltavo brought the Germans within forty miles of Calais, Boulogne, and tho mouth of the Somme, which has enabled them to keep the Hazebrouck, Bethune, and Amiens railway junctions under close lire. The front between Montdidier and tho Jlarne is less satisfactory for tho enemy. So long as the French hold tho Aisno eastward of Compiegno and cover tho junction of the Aisno and the Chse it will be difficult for the enemy to make a broad drive to Paris owing to the front of the attack being split up. Wo have three vital points to guard—Paris, tho Channel ports, and our communications across the Somme. Revised estimates show that the Crown Princo has employed at -least forty-threo divisions from the total reserves at Von Hindenburg's disposal on tho West front. There are therefore only twenty-seven left out of tho seventy available at the end of May." General Maurice expresses tho opinion that the attack on the Chernin des Dames was merely an experiment, which was followed up because it opened successfully. Ho does not believe that an advance to 1 aris across the Aisne was part of the'original plan. "Tho German menace is still formidable, but not so formidable as ut tho end of May, owing to the heavy cost of the enemy's gains and tho 6teady incieaso of tho American forces. '-Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn. VITAL SECTION WELL IN HAND London, Juno 14. Mr. George Perris writes to the "Daily Chroniclo": "Von Boehm's attack on the eastern flank of the battlefield, south of tho Aisne, was intended to create a diversion in consequence of tho severe check to Von Hutier on "the west, whero tho real line of resistance is. Von Boehm hurled five divisions astride of La Versiue, on a front of four miles. Tho French, although outnumbered, broke the repeated assaults, and oven advanced to Dommiers and the southern border of Villers Cotterets Forest, more than counter-balancing the slight enemy gain on this front. But tho most cheerful news rs that the French centre and left brought to a stop Von Sutler's attack froip. the north. If tho Germans could have broken through by tho open country west of tho Oise they would automatically have cancelled the enormous advantage of the great forests east of the Oise, which mask the Paris region. The danger to tho capital would then have become immediate.' Wo must not rejoice prematurely, but the present offensive has gained less than any of the preceding phases, whilo in the only vital part of the field tho situation is well in hand.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. ' AMERICA'S MILLIONS New York, June 13.. Mr. N. D. Baker (Secretary for War), in a speech at West Point, said that, it would shortly be reasonable to expect that America's forces in Franco would exceed a million. The Government would continue to send men until thero was no doubt of the outcome of tho struggle. General March (Chief of Staff) saya: "America is calmly determined to send men until, the war is won, whatever the number required. If millions'are needed we will 6end them. The U-boat mena;e will not alter our policy one iota."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. A NEW ARMY ARRIVES EVERY MONTH London, June 13. Mr. Hilaire Belloc says that the German numerical superiority in the West is as ten against seven. The odds will bo redressed by the- Americans, but it will take four to six months to do so. Colonel Repington states that the arrivals of Americans during the past two months have been most remarkable. One can almost say that a new American army arrives in France every month. The Americans are fishtinz wherever the Generalissimo requires tliem. They avo holding important sectors on tho eastern French front, and also battling on the Marno and at Jlontdidier. All our commanders speak most highly of the Amerioan battalions which joined our armies, comparing them to the Dominion troops, who aro second to none — Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

AMERICA'S CONFIDENCE IN FOCH. Washington, June 14. Commenting on the boast of Von Stein, the German Minister of War, that the Allies' armies are beaten, Mr. N. D. Baker, American Secretary of War, says: "That is Von Stein's opinion; but the opinion of General Focli, which is vastly mora important, has not yet been heard. The confidence of Hie American people in General Focli remains unshaken."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. FIGHTING QUALITIES PRAISED. (Rec. June 16, 11.5 p.m.) Washington, Juno 15. ■ If is officially announced that General Foc'li has informed General Pershing that it is desirable to maintain the American forces as separate units as much as possible. American troops which havo been brigaded with the British and French will gradually be withdrawn. Mr. Niwton D. Baker states that the lighting qualities of the American troops have received General Foch's praise. M. Clentf,nc;au and Generals Focli and. Petain havo congratulated General Pershing' on the achievements of tlio American troops on the anniversary of the arrival of tb-» American soldiers in Franco* The Chief of the Staff, General March, announces.. Hint over eight Hundred thousand American troops have been sent oversea. 1 Satisfactory progress is being nmdo with tho production of Liberty motors. President Wilson, replying to M. Poincaire's congratulations on the anniversary of the United States entry into liio war, said that the United Slates intended to dispatch men and material to France until any inequality in force was entirely overcome.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Asn. GERMANS KNOW THEY CANNOT W ' New York, June 11. Tho New York "Herald's" Paris correspondent has secured documentary proof that the German leaders know they cannot win tho war, even if they take Paris and Bordeaux. The moral nf tho Army is weakening, and (he health of tho people is alarming. Physicians recently held a conference at Heidelberg, nnd protested that tho starvation conditions would lead to Germany's doom. People aro insufficiently nourished, and tho infantile mortality is 08 per cent. The British air raid* on Cologne, Karlsruhe, nnd Mnnnheim caused a, panic, nud the lines of refugees wore miles long. The realisation of the extent of America's shipping output is finally dispelling tho hopes of vic-tory."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn, SEVEREST TEST IN OUR HISTORY "WE MUST FIGHT AS WE HAVE NEVER FOUGHT BEFORE." (Rec. Juno IG, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 11. Viscount Milner, speaking at the Y.M.O.A. headquarters, said: "Germany is now at the climax of tier power, and therefore wo must fight as we have never fought beforo in our history, as our noblo Freucli Allies aro fighting to-day, until America has fully mobilised her armies. "General von Stein has been sneering at America's power, but I think ho will live to regret those sneers.' Viscount Milner concluded: "Beware of criticism of, our Allies and formor Allies. Nothing could bo more unreasonable than abtlso of Russia. One doed not abuse a delirious man vrho. a blow; at; a friend."—Aufl.-N.Z. Cable Afisn, y

"UNPLEASANT ACTIVITIf OF THE BRITISH" London, Juno 14. Mr. Percival Phillips writes (o tho "Daily Express": "Prisoners admit that llio Germans bitterly resent lh«> implnasnnl: nctivity nf tho British, who aro constantly and methodically probing "lid raiding, scoring small successes, and rectil'.viiig iuid advancing tho line. Tired German divisions withdrawn from the aclivfi front aro promist'il rest and quiet on tlio supposition that the British are ton weal; to disturb tliem. They aro soon disillusioned. Our frequent and I sudden day anil night local attacks' keep tho enemy in constant suspense, beside-; killing many anil Inking prisoners."—Vus.-N.Z. Cablo Assn. THE RUMOURED GERMAN NAVAL OFFENSIVE Now York, June 14. U'Jic New York "Times" di?cu«ing the possibility of tho German tleet coming out, soys: "Gerinanv niav send out her Navy, not anticipating a, victory, Ittifc hoping to weaken the British Heel: hut Kngland, with tho assistance ot' tho American fleet, could count on a decisive victory. Germany has probably pushed on her new const ruction, but she, would bo at a paralysing disadvantage compared to the Allies ill lirst-lino battleships."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MAY BE COMPELLED TO GIVE BATTLE. (Bee. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 14. Recently English naval critics forecasted that the German fleet shortly would be compelled to giro battle—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.

I THE CRITICAL HOURS REACHED London, June 13. llr. Asquith sUtes Unit, it is useless to disgiuso the fact: that tho Allies hive readied tho critical hour of tho war.—Aus.-N./i. Uiblo - REIMS ADMITTEDLY IMPREGNABLE GERMAN PUBLIC DISAPPOINTED... (l?€c. Juno IG, 5.5 p.m.) ' Amsterdam, .Tune U. German news indicates that tho public is disappointed at tho failure of their troops to capture Boims. General™ Ardenno, writing toiho IfWblaU, admits that Beims is impregnablo against a trontnl attack. Ho savs. the city is held by at least two divisions of colonial coloured troops, who hml con pic o protection from artillery tire und gas in tho champagno cellars. -Aus.-N./J. Cable Assn. GERMAN SUCCESSES ANALYSED, SPECIAL TRAINING AND THE WEATHER THE CHIEF FACTORS. (Rec. Juno 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 14. The Australian Press Association correspondent learns that the Germans used approximately forty divisions on tho Aisno, and twenty in their latest attack, a total of sixty since Jlay 27. Tho situation therefore gives no causo for dissatisfaction. The enemy's objective is not known, but it undoubtedly is lus intention to capture Couipiegno and establish himself on tho Noyon-Compiegne-Chatcau Thierry line, and to secure an opportunity to advance on Paris. Although tho situation lias improved to tho extent indicated, there is stilt cause for anxiety, because tho Germans liuvo not shown their hand. A few of rrinco Kuppreoht's reserves aro stilt practically i.'itact. Tho Germans ability to atlvanco aftor their initial successes has been duo to the exceptional training which has been given to tho infantry, machine-gunners, and artillery. tho assault troops possessed great initiative, pushing forward and capturing tactical points. 'J'heir action was supported by mobile artillery. These were the principal factors in the enemy's success. The Germans last year utilised tho lull in .Russia, to instruct vast numbers of troops in open warfare. .1 he Allies never had enough men alter their lino was manned to spare largo bodies lor such, liilcnsivj training, and tho Germans aro now getting tho benefit ot that special training. When these specially-trained men are exhausted the rest ot them will not bo superior, but possibly inferior, to tho British and the French. it is lmiustifiablo to suggest that tho Germans have evolved a system beyond the ability of the Allies to counter. Tho weather also has consistently favoured tne Germans—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. MORE TROOPS FROM THE RUSSIAN FRONT (Rec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) Paris, June 15. According to documents which have been captured on the American front, the Germans wero timed to reach Paris on June 28. An intercepted order of Von Falkenliayn reads that tho battles now being fought on the West front are "critical and decisive." Tho Kaiser lias ordered tho High Command to tako all measures to transport to the Trench front within a week tho majority of tho German forces now in White Itussia, leaving only tho . smallest detachments necessary to maintain order. He has sent General von Eichorn to the Ukraino "to take tho strongest measures possible to stop sabotago on the part of the Hussian railway officials."—"Tho 'limes. THE WAR IN THE AIR FURTHER RAIDS ON OSTEND AND ZEEBRUGGE. (Eec. June 10, 5.5 p.m.) London, Juno 14 The Admiralty reports: "Onr neroplanes during night and day operations from Juno 10 to Juno 12, inclusive, dropped eighteen tons of bombs in Belgium. Hits were observed on tho mole, and bursts at the seaplane shed at Zeebrugge, lires at Bruges, and bursts at the naval basin of the maritimo station i.t Ostend,"-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Eeuter. SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT. (Rec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 14. Sir Douglas Haig reports: "Low clouds and poor visibility impeded our air work on June 13, but our machines took advantage of the spells of clear weather and dropped niuo tons of bombs on Zeebruggo, more on Armentieres and Comines Stations, and also on targels tn the French battle area. Wo destroyed ten German aeroplanes and drove down two out of control. The British lost five. Heavy mists prevented night flying."-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-iieuter. ON THE FRENCH FRONT. (Eec. June 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, June 14. A French official .report states: "On Juno 13 one of our aeroplanes shot down live Gorman machines and two balloons. Seven enemy aeroplanes wero put out of action. Nineteen tons of bombs were dropped on the enemy zonos, causing great damage."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Repter. NEW GOVERNOR OF PARIS. '(Eec. Juno 16. 11.35 p.m.) Paris, Jure 15. General Giiillaumat, Commander of the Army of tho Orient, has been appointed Military Governor of Paris, vice General Dubail, who has been appointed Grand Chancellor of tho Legion of Honour—Keuter,