PROGRESS OF THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 294, 31 August 1918, Page 6

PROGRESS OF THE WAR

AxoTHEtt big stride in the Allied offensive is reported to-day. Under French and British pressure theGermans have been driven across the Sonnnc at practically all points on the long reach in which that river runs north to Peronnc. Further south the French have captured Noyon and a big wood which extends about three _ miles east of that place. The British arc making headway along the north bank of tho Sonime, and are in a fair way to interpose a wedge between Peronne and Combles. It is ofiicially announced also that the New Zealanders have captured Bapaumc.

Thesis developments mean obviously that the Allied offensive has by no means lost its impetus. As to the prospects opened, somewhat varied opinions arc offered by correspondents and others, but these opinions will only, be tested when the enemy has definitely attempted to settle down on, a defensive line. No doubt he will'make this attempt as soon as possible, equally in the hope of minimising the moral effect of his defeat and with a view to preparing for a more orderly retreat next spring. Provided he is equal to a defensive stand, it is, of course, still open to the enemy to halt his retiring armies on a liiVc well totho westward of the flindenburg line, to which he retreated last year, except in the north, where the Hindenburg lino has been broached and the Allies arc already in touch with the Urocourt-Queant "switch" in its rear. Much depends on whether the Allies arc in a position to press forward in. this region, towards Douai junction and .on the northwestern approaches _ to ' Cambrai. Their prospects of doing so seem reasonably good. The German positions .on this section of the front are immensely strong, but the finally determining factor here, as clsew'vre, will 'be the strength avail'able in men and guns.' . And although an Allied advance at this point .would threaten the _ general stability of. the encmy-s lino more seriously than, an advance .at any other .point, he can by no incans.afford to neglect other sectors .in order to safeguard this vital hinge. Ho, is only less dangerously threatened between the Oise and the Aisnc than in the area east of Arras.'

Not the least'interesting developments reported to-day have taken shape on the American front along the Vesle—to bo exact, in the bridgebead areas established by the Americans north of that river. _ German attacks on these bridgeheads have attained a certain amount of success, though not in a degree^which' greatly affects the general situation. The point of interest raised concerns the enemy's motive in developing these attacks. It can hardly, bo supposed that ho contemplates an attempt to rccross the Vcsle and open a new drive towards the Marne. The apparent explanation of his action is that he is endeavouring to minimise the dangers of retreat.' With Glunebai. Margin's army, on the front north from Soissons, looking directly into tho Hank of the German forces along the Aisne and Vcsle, a. retreat by these forces in the very near future seems imperative. It.is extraordinary that it has not been undertaken before this time. ■ The presence of the Americans on the north bank of the Vesle, of course; increases the clangers with which IheGcrmans will have to contend in their retreat. An attempt was therefore made- to drive them across tho river. As reports stand, the enemy attacks did net attain this result. The Americans are still in position north of the Vesle, and other American troops are co-operating with tho Frenchdn pressing the attack on the German flank.