A PROPHECY FULFILLED.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXX, Issue 53, 29 October 1914, Page 7

A PROPHECY FULFILLED.

It was generally recognised for at least three years before the war began that the Germans would attack Franco through Belgium, and for the reason which was eventually given by Herr von Jagow to Sir Edward Grey—namely, that a frontal attack on the French fortresses on the frontier would entail heavy losses and serious delay. But, in addition to forecasting that advance through Belgium, the writer of an unsigned article in the Fortnightly Review, as long ago as 1911, made a remarkably accurate prediction when ho wrote:—“lt is not easy to sec how a German success up to that point (the advance through Belgium) can be prevented, and it is to be hoped that France, in'a vain attempt to hin--dor what is practically inevitable, may not squander her magnificent cavalry, which, if preserved intact, might in the second phase of the struggle turn the scale in her favor. To obtain her primary objectives Germany is prepared to waste a large number of men. The cost of men will not prevent her straining every effort to attain her ends. If the French pour over into Belgium fco meet her half-way they will be playing her game, and equalising the chances of loss. An obstinate defence, without risking too much in any pitched action north of the Rheims. Laon-La Fere lino, is clearly the best French strategy. Time would thus bo gained for England to play her part. It will be not a bad thing for France’s chances of final victory if the first great battle of the war can bo deferred until the Germans are in the Aisne Valley. It will take the Germans much longer to get there than the three weeks we shall require to come into action, and it is not difficult to conceive a situation in which tho Germans might find themselves very uncomfortable.” Tho prediction has been fulfilled with a remarkable degree of accuracy.