hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, APRIL 8th, 1918.

Hokitika Guardian, 8 April 1918, Page 2

hokitika Guardian & Evening Star MONDAY, APRIL Bth, 1918.

THE WESTERN FRONT. Tun Western Front has for .so long been considered the final testing ground to decide the fate of the Great War, that events in that theatre of greatest operations are watched with the most intense interest. The enemy has begun what is described as the “ second phase” of his giant offensive. In the planned campaign there was to he but one general offensive, but the bravery and tenacity of the Franco-British defence nullified that plan. The hold-up necessitated reorganisation, and this has been done with German thoroughness and celerity. There has not been any expert comment on the strategetical position, beyond the remark that General Hindenburg has been committed now to the Somme offensive. The Allies’ plan of campaign is not disclosed. • Tile patience with which the offensive I was awaited, ,and the coolness and stio- ' cess with which the retirement was effected, suggest that the German stroke at the point delivered was not unexpected. Knowing it to he on a grand scale, the retirement, as it were, lured the enemy on, till the depth gained resulted iu the German committment the correspondents refer to. It is conceivable. that this was part of the Allied strategy—so to locate the German offensive that the weight of it might fall at a. point where the French and British troops could co-operate readily one with the other—as actiually happened. The fact that the British leit was not materially engaged in the great battle suggests tb;ft in that quarter the line is of special firmness, and its strength has not been affected by the heavy strain and drain on the right extremity of the British line. The British left covers the most material portion of the general defensive line, barring the way to' the English Channel. The Germans have made, frequent efforts to reach Calais in the past, ami at the present moment of supreme crisis that objective would be worth a great sacrifice to the enemy. Hie fact that it is not attempted seems to indicate that the Allied forces have prepared for all possible emergencies in flint region, and hold the situation too firmly for the enemy to venture on even a forlorn hone. This knowledge, it is conceivable, accounts for the confidence General Haig lias expressed all through the days of stress, as to the ultimata outcome of the gtaht clash. The ability of the Allies Vo hold up the enemy is being recognised as the days go by for the advantage of time is with the defenders. There must have been an element of surprise about the German attack, long as it was pre-adver-tised. The surprise would bo ip the vast au in hers thrown into the conflict. Tn the matter of strength it was a supreme effort at once a triumph ol organisation and determination to win through at any cost. The gains made by this most costly experiment, while they have been substantial, have far from equalled the expectations of those designing the greatest battle in all history.’ Tim “second phase,'' if it is to be ultimately successful, must In more gigantic still, and the query is, how long flesh and blood can stand so tremendous ail ordeal; Docile, and well drilled and disciplined as arc the enetnv armies, the shadow of victory only at so tremendous a levy on He manhood of tin* country must have, surely, an awakening sense on the nation. Meanwhile the. battle rages, and till something of a decision; is reached speculation is laTgely in vain—but the end is being hastened just the same.