Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE 7th, 1918. HOLDING THE ENEMY.

Hokitika Guardian, 7 June 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star FRIDAY, JUNE 7th, 1918. HOLDING THE ENEMY.

Tins situation at the front has boon eased by the holding of the euoiny after his late determined rush for Paris. The progress made, and the success achieved in reaching the Marne wore more than might have been expected from .the optimistic reports given out by the quidnuncs prior to the renewal of the offensive. It is clear that those reports were coloured more or less, but the fact that the enemy is now held is actually something of an achievements under all the cireurnstances Tho offensive was launched in advance of the expected date, and in a qumter not anticipated. This dual surprise is to the credit of the enemy, but Die position being once unmasked, the Allies made strenuous efforts to stem the onrush. At first the troops holding the coveted route to the Marne were seriously outnumbered at all points. Many of them were divisions actually resting “after the last, large affray, and at short notice they had to plunge anew into the. vortex, and repeat again the gallant- defence which marked their fight ing six weeks earlier. The Allies’ reserves were disposed at the two points considered more likely of attack and tliero was no doubt an anxious time while those forces nearest were moved round to meet tho fresh attack. Naturally' on both the Amiens and Ypies sectors, the biggest. Allied armies would bo gathered, covering the most direct attack on the obviously dcjuble character of the chief German objectives. The surprise nature of the attack while raking tho Allies unawares, did not result in the confusion the enemy would probably be expecting. AY ere it .so, ere this the enemy might, he striking either the channel ports or Amiens, the lattor most preferably. The situation to the onlooker looked grave to those not familiar with the disposition of tho defensive forces, but throughout, the news from Paris, the- nerve centre of the Allied position was hopeful, and the expectations were fulfilled. The situation lias been reviewed since by the Supreme War Cornell. and again satisfaction is expressed with what has transpired and what is the immediate outlook. Tho futurecannot he foretold, but though the enemy is held now successfully, lie is for the timo being a victorious cnoinv; even though the cost to him has been enormous. But his victory for the time being is of no material value, if

it cr.txot.b® turned to es.riy If instead of holding the enemy, Gen- > eral Foch determines to strike n strateg- 1 ic blow, that clash of arms will have a ( material effect on the completion of the war. The e-orresp'Otalents havd been proclaiming that the hour is at hand, luit so much depends on the issue thatit is not likely to be ventured upon unless the Allied command fools doubly sure of success. Such a move might he of a dual character at different point*, retaliatory in the south, and a new move altogether in the north. There after the Ostcnd naval raid, many tilings are possible, while, in the south, the second battle of the Marne, might prove ' a more notable event than-the first ! which gave the world the first assurance that tile enemy could be beaten. The immediate future holds great events in its keeping, but time will now soon reveal the great possibilities of the situation and perhaps give a glimpse of an earlier ending of the war than now appears apparent. |