The Theory of Attrition

Horowhenua Chronicle, 6 September 1915, Page 3

The Theory of Attrition

Germany has the solidity (not so apparent as in the early days ol the war) that comes oi a State organisation at once extremely efficient and exactly suited to the temper and imagination of the people.

Our conclusion is that the decisive physical and spiritual elements are oil the side of the Allies, that, in a word, the Allieo ought to win, and will win. Hut neither we nor our associates can be dispensed from the obligation of clear thought concerning the end ot what must be a long war, tor Europe cannot be fought and bled into sheer ruin. And clear thought is. in the present conduct of our rulers, a matter ol some difficulty.

Since the Coalition Government came ill a thicker curtain than ever has been dropped on to the operations oi the .British armies and fleets in Flanders and the Dardanfelles and elsewhere. The losses go up—lo,ooo were recorded in last week's newspaper—Out the nation does not usually know where they occurred or what fortune attended the troops that .sustained them.

It cannot tell whether the theory of ''attrition" is being applied to our recent numerous actions in Flanders, whether, in fact, we are being more or less "attrited" than our adversaries. On this point we dwell in doubt and in some apprehension. The Nation.