THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1917, Page 2

THE WESTERN FRONT.

FRENCH' STRATEGY.

LONDON, October 25.

A correspondent at the Franch Headquarters says the strategic intention of the high command i n the Aisne battle is to finally and completely thrust the enemy off the crest lme we now hold, practically. Ho says the ascefltafnabl© figures show that the chances of Germany winning by dint of numbers has long since passed. The German fighting strength is now 5,750,000 whereof 2,200,000 ar e in the west 1,200,000 in the east and the balance in depots and garrisons and administrative services. Probate.* half a million reserves, including 380, 000 partly trained 1916 class whicn wi#h Chose recovored from wounds only are available -for reinforcements If the 1918 fighting is on a similar scale to this and last year, Germany will bo compelled to use 192021 classes next year, or weaken or reduce the divisions. She will probably make a superhuman effort this winter to equal the British artillery output and beat us in the air; but this will not make it easier for the maintenance of the infantry strength.

“THE JONATHANS.”

THE FRENCH POSITION

[AUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION]

LONDON, Oct. 24

Colonel Repington, who visited the . Americans at the front, says General Pershing could put divisions into the , line now; but resolved to perfect his armies before they undertake the gig- ( antic battle. Excepting, air and water, all supplies for the troops are coming from America, and also, even great j quantities of rolling stock. j Dealing with, the general position, Colonel Repington says the entire line d s on the crest between Craonno and Vauxaillon. In addition they have got a commanding view of the Ailetlte valley, at the head of which stands Laon, and a: view northward across the plain over the enemy’s communications to Anizy in upper Couchv forest. FRENCH TANKS. LONDON, October 24. The “Daily Chronicle’s” correspondent at the French Headquarters states: The French tanks did gooo work in the last battle. The mechanism is like the British tank but the machines are small, and possessing greater manoeuvring powers than our early models. They carry a field-gun and -t-veral machineguns. The tanks captured the ruined farmsteads which were holding up the attack. The French artillery smashed the caves and tunnels of two plateaux in the sector. Four hundred Germans were trapped m a quarry and refused to emerge believing that the French would massacre the prisoners until assurances I were given to the contrary.

HAIG'S REPORT

LONDON, October 24

Marshal Haig reports; There was mutual heavy artillery actiivty ' at Houthulst .forest positons. Our battery work was destructive at various points. The weather is wet and stormy.

FRENCH PROGRESS

fAUSTRALIAN cc N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION

M REUTER.]

(Received, This Day at 8.50. a.m.) LONDON, October 2-5.

A French communique says north of the Aisne German artillery was particularly active on the front which runs from Montesiges, the wholo thereof being in our possession to Chavigon.

The enemy did not attempt, any infantry action. ' It is confirmed that the Tanks took an important part in yesterday’s attack.

The number of prisoners exceed 8,000. The booty counted includes seventy gun s thirty mine throwers, eighty machine guns. On the right of the Meuse there were brisk artillery action in the region of Samogneux, Vaeherauville and Chaume and west Douaumont. HAIG’S REPORT. fAUSTRALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION] & REUTER.] (Received This Day at 11.25. a.m.) LONDON, Oet. 25. General Haig reports: Wo completely repulsed another strong counterattack last night south of Houthulst wood.

The Gloucester.?, "Worcesters and Berkshire? successfully raided positions between Aeouxgavrille and Belige.