ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

Hokitika Guardian, 12 June 1918, Page 3

ON THE WESTERN FRONT.

[PER PRESS ASSOCIATION. —COPYRIGHT.] POSITION REVIEWED. DIFFICULT POSITION. (Received This Day at 9.50. a.m.) PARIS, June lp; Correspondents point out that the now battle, is tbo first tho Germans ' have launched on a Sunday.

Thp newspaper “Le Journal ” says in order to avoid giving an alarm, tho Germans brought no troops up till the last moment, but. there is a point at wliich the troops must pass from marching formations into formations of attack, and must deploy on each side of the road, an operation that requires several hours. A good barrage fire dropping on them during this period renders the operations most difficult. We don’t know exactly what happened, but our counter-artillery efforts have been well directed, and it is clear the advance has been stopped on both wings, with losses which it is claimed put out of action equal to five divisions.

GENERAL MAURICE. OPINION ON OFFENSIVE. (Received This T)av at 9.80. a.m.) . LONDON, June 11. General Maurice writes that General von Hutier has again taken the offensive, though it is too early to judgo whether it is the beginning on a grand scale of an attempt to advance to Paris, or merely a local effort todraw in more Allied reserves. It is estimated that General von-Hutier used a force of nineteen divisions on his attacking front between Chiryous camp and Ayincourt. a distance of about 20 miles, but he has made little progress except- in the centre of the section on a ton miles front, where he penetrated four and a half miles down ilatz valley ,to the south of Resons. He also gained a footing in Thiescourt wood. It remains to be seen whether Prince Rupprecht will resume the offensive against the British or participate in r. direct advance towards Paris.

FRENCH OFFICER’S STATEMENT

(Received This Pnv at 10.15. a.m.) LONDON, June 11.

Mr. Perris quofes a • French Staff Officer as saying:—“This is a real battle”, meaning the contrast of tho present fierce fighting with the attack on Chemin des Dames. The Allies line between Noyon and Montdidier is stronger, while the reserve is nearer than at Chemin deß ■ Dames. The French batteries are so effective that at Matz point, it amounted to a massacre of columns of assaulters. There is an unanimity among prisoners, as well as our own combatants that tho enemy ranks were torn and ploughed with shot and shell. Never, ■ jAT-hnps has the German army paid so dearly for the advance, which nowhere exceeded five miles.

A CORRESPONDENTS VIEW. (Received This Dav at 12.25. p.?" > LONDON, Juno 11.

Mr Campbell, writing on the evening of the 10th says except in the centre we have merely given up our advanced lightly held, zone posts. The enemy attacked in close formation and would not have attempted the venture without. a considerable superiority of forces. It seems impossible to prevent a certain territorial gain, even without the element of surprise. It is noteworthy that tho extent of the offiensive fronts is diminishing. It was sixty miles n» March, thirty in May and now twenty. On tho whole they must be disappointed with the first day’s effort. The ground over which they advanced has been carefully studied by the French artilleryists A continuance of the attack with the greatest energy and desperation, is expected. It means everything to Germany. So far the enemy have only begun their attack on the heights which form the main defensive line. Furthei progress would compel a French retir«~ ment from tho Noyon salient, hut that is not a serious road to Paris. If they gained the forest of Compiegnc then there arc the three forests of Balaate Treminon and Chantilly. y

OFFICIAL NEWS. WELLINGTON, This Day. The High Commissioner reports from London Juno 11th.

French official —On the second day °f the offensive tho enemy is endeavouring to continuo his powerful attacks w ith fresh troops. The Germans captured three vilages. Enemy attacks were broken east of the Oise .