MIGHTY EFFORT.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 January 1918, Page 4

MIGHTY EFFORT.

GERMANS MASS ON WEST. ALLIES FOREWARNED, ARE ALSO GETTING READY. (Syduey “ Suu ” Correspondent). London, Dec 23, Christmas is being' spent on the West and Italian fronts in ceaseless military preparations. Except for the special Christmas puddings and a little extra jollity in the * messes, the festival, passes unnoticed. Officers and men are absorbed in urgent duties, to meet the changed situation. The constant massing of German troops, guns and aeroplanes in France and Flanders, is undeniable, but, having, during the last few days seen considerable sections of the British and French armies, I can testify that they are not perturbed. FRENCH RESERVES SPLENDIDLY FIT. The French, after a comparatively easy year, are magnificently fit, and they have numerous divisions which were not used in offensives during 1917. and their fresh men must be given an important place in any calculations of the immediate prospects. “ I passed along columns of Frenchmen of splendid physique, of perfect oquipment, looking fully equal to the Australians, who are acknowledged to have the finest physique ‘in the British armies. Thev have no sign of being tired—an old Gallic characteristic. They had a martial appearance, as though they were accustomed to long wars. SPECIAT, BLOW AGAINST BRITISH TROOPS. “ The selection by the Germans of the British front for their main concentration of men is doubtless due to a belief that the British armies are tired after their recurrent attacks, which are considered to have produced the heaviest fighting iu the war in which divisions were used time and again. The strain on Britain has, been intensified by the dispatch of help to the Italians. The Germans know that when wounded men return from the hospitals, and new drafts arrive, the armies will be reinvigorated, therefore they are likely to press their attacks at the earliest moment. There is ever}' indication of a prodigious offensive. There is no sign yet of the Austrian divisions on the West front, but the Germkn units are being filled with fresh, expert, youngdrafts from the Russian front. TERRIFIC FIGHTING EXPECTED. The offensive is' not a question of to-day or to-morrow. Perhaps it is three months’ ahead; it may be only a few weeks. But there are indications that it will be the greatest gamble in the world’s history—no less than a determined effort to break through for the Channel ports, or Paris, before America is ready.

“Experts agree that there is ample time for long, sustained, heavy fighting before the Americans are sufficiently massed and experienced to be seriously reckoned upon. The Germans appear to be proceeding systematically. _ Such offensives as they are planning require accumulations of stores, ammunition and heavy guns, new roads, hutments, and vast gatherings of men. “ British fighters believe that the Germans, who have been brought from Russia, show lowered moral, on account of their long inactivity. Some surrender easily, and others dislike going over the top. A noted Australian battalion officer has said : * These new Huns will not attack unless they are in such numbers as to be able to lean against each other.’ This comparative incapacity of the Germans to attack successfully against the British and French is one reason for absolute confidence during what everyone admits will be the worst months of the war. ALLIES CONFIDENT FOR IQ 1 8. “ It is expected that the Germans will attempt a master-stroke against the French, who proclaim their I preparedness. The press publishes statements by officers saying that the soldiers are fully conscious of the euemj T ’s preparations. They were never more valiant, and never was their moral higher, or .more magnificent. “ While the Huns are working day and night, constructing roads, saps and emplacements, the British and French are labouring without an hour’s respite, making formidable obstacles, trenches and redoubts, with unquenchable ardour. Germany’s central position enables her to concentrate rapidly, especially if Austrian divisions appear, as is threatened, but the sticking power of the British, even in poor trenches, plus masses of guns, justifies confidence in what will happen in 1918.