Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1918.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1918, Page 2

Hokitika Guardian & Evening Star WEDNESDAY, JUNE 12, 1918.

THE PARIS THRUST. At the time of writing, the renewed German offensive in what looks like a

special thrust, towards Paris, is not meeting with the instantaneous suc- ; cess w'neh marked the earlier massed advances. The fighting front is rather nnri'ower than usual, stretching from Mont Didier to Noyon. The latter town is on the river Oise, which forms a barrier and a defence to the left flank of the advancing foo. The salient of country closed in by the confluence of the Aisne and the Oise is largely in enemy hands already. The new offensive lias gained some little ground, having reached Ribec-our, which is also on the Oise. Some little time ago the Germans menaced Oompiogne, and it will ho to secure this advance post the present effort, it can bo well imagined, is directed. This would straighten the front west of Soissoim, and form another definite thrust for Paris. 'The, earlier effort which is still held up in the region of Chateau Thierry would he of value in conjunction with the latest attempt,

f.nd great pr.e33e.re at both points Oughtyield further valuable ground on the road to the objective. Some idea of what is meant by a German massed attach is given, pictorially in an Fnglish illustrated paper lately to hand. The illustration is descriptive of the atatvh onslaught and very formidable it was. It conveys a convincing impression ns to what numbers can do, and at once indicates the secret of the German success; indeed, the marvel is that fho success was not gront-er. It must bo assumed however, that tho Allies arc more determinedly organised blocking the direct route to Paris. General Foch’s reserves ..will he mainly in that region. If the enemy are attacking in the hordes which they are represented n.s having in March it will ho a very difficult task to hold up the onslaught indefinitely. The news in regard to Paris indicates that if it is necessary finally for the Allies to fall hack, every yard of ground will he stubbornly contested. The delay which can be enforced upon tho enemy is of greater value to the Allies, permitting more and more Americans to pour in, and greater organisation of the Fra neo-British reserves to be brought about.. It is clear from all this that the situation is of a very grave nature, and more and more apparent is the need for additional men. AVitli the situation as it is, one can only marvel that in portions of Orem Britain not only is conscription being opposed, but there is 110 adequate response to voluntary recruiting. Tf the enemy at- the gate, as it- were will not awaken the people of the gravity of the ! position and a sense of their responsibilii ties it is difficult to understand wlmt other force will. They would dally till, like Russia, they would be too Into and find themselves in the hands of the enemy suffering worse conditions than war and an outlook entirely blank and hopeless. The way t-o victory will certainly bo hard and long, but difficult though it be, it will be preferrable to continue in the fight than to go down tamely to a foe which is not to be trusted. The Allied forces barring the way to Paris are fighting a good fight and helping to pave the way to final victory, t-lie assurance for which wo have in the oncoming masses of Americans, whose numbers will turn the scale and secure to civilisation the freedom and liberty hitherto enjoyed. But until that great force arrives the present champions must hang on untiringly till the relief comes.