The Times. PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS. FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1918 THE WESTERN FRONT.

Pukekohe & Waiuku Times, Volume 7, Issue 372, 3 May 1918, Page 2

The Times. PUBLISHED ON TUESDAY AND FRIDAY AFTERNOONS.

FRIDAY, MAY 3, 1918 THE WESTERN FRONT.

"We nothing extenuate, nor ut dovm aught in malice

The latest news from the western front is that the crisis in Flanders is regarded as past and that it can reasonably be expected that the enemy's advance has been checked. The two great German military heads, Hindenburg and IvUdendorf, had resolved that the terrific battle on the western front should prove decisive. They had determined to secure a decision, even if it cost them onethird of their available manpower. The primary reason for their desperate eagerness to inflict an overwhelming defeat upon the Allies is undoubtedly the knowledge that, with America rapidly transporting an enormous army to France, every day's delay is prejudical to their chances of ultimate success. They have gradually but surely forced the British armies back towards the coast, ruthlessly sacrificing hordes of storm troops with massed frontal and flank attacks, regardless of cost, The Allied line, thinned and out-numbered, has -fought desperately and tenaciously, but never despairing, from position to position and from line to line,

often retiring from points which they could have held had supports and reserves been sent them. The Allied plan, however, as in the retreat to Marne at the beginning of the war, appears to be to continue the gradual retirement, inflicting the greatest possible destruction upon the enemy at every stage and every opportunity. That they have done so is evidenced by the reported continuous procession of trains of wounded going through Belgium, and by the ominous half-suppressed discontent voiced

throughout Germany at her tre raendous losses. A fortnight ago members of the House of Commons demanded to be informed where the British reserves were. The answer was evasive and noncommittal. Either they had been

used or they had been mysteriously removed to an unknown destination. It is reasonable to conjecture that Foch's much-talked-of reserves are still intact, and ready, as at the decisive moment at the battle of the

Marne, to strike a paralysing blow when the psychological moment arrives. General Foch has the entire confidence of all those under him. Those who should best know are reported to be calm and confident and they advise the British public to be the same.