FRENCH GENERAL'S CONFIDENCE

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 85, 16 March 1916, Page 5

FRENCH GENERAL'S CONFIDENCE

British Parliamentarians Impressed

Successful Counter-attack at Ypres

Reported Resignation of Von Tirpitz

Progress in the Egyptian Campaign

CURRENT WAR TOPJCS.

A visit to Verdun has loft a party of British Parliamentarians profoundly impressed with the remarkable confidence of the defenders, and the General’s last Words to the vistors as they were departing were, good to hear: “The load is off my mind,” he 'said. “Now I am certain of final success..” This remark will do much, coming as it does at this critical stage of the struggle, to hearten up the pessimists whose alleged knowing headshakes have proved anything but wise, and whose gloomy pronostications have always given every sensible man and woman what the man in the street succinctly terms the “pfp!” What the delegation was also much impressed with on their visit was the difference in the two system of transports, the Germans favoring several lines of railways £.o assist in the operations while the .French depended upon a single lipe ( and supported by motor transports, the latter proving, on account of its flexibility, much superior to the enemy, * ~t

According to the latest report from the High Commissioner, there has been a lull in the fight at Verdun, which is accounted for by no less an authority in these matters than Colonel Repington, of The Times, as being due to the necessity for the enemy to bring forward their heavy guns after the advance that has been recently made. It will be recognised that after such terrific fighting both sides require a breather to collect their scattered forces, repair their battered positions, and bring up supplies of i all kinds for renewal of the attack, so that if Repington’s opinion is correct, it must he renofembered that the French can also be :< depended upon to he making the most of their time in readiness to withstand the new" -onsuaght.

, On the Ypres-Comraines Canal, the British regained some trenches lost a fortnight ago, but which, it should be explained, they kept steadily bombarding to prerent the enemy consolidating ph . position. The result was as anticipated. When the Grenadiers rushed forward to the attack the Germans were taken completely by surprise and were easily routed. Again we read that the British losses were slight, which is satisfactory in its way, but relief would be afforded by a definite statement from the authorities as to the actual toll in the recent struggle along the Western front. The losses of the enemy at Verdun have been estimated at 200,000, /with the number killed at close on 100,000. These figures may or may not be right, but the fact remains that great successes can seldom be won without great losses, and if the success is great enough it wall justify losses that are enormous. The point is, that it is not so much losses as what is gained in return for them that counts. Ti is evident that this is the German view of looking at things at anyrate.

There will be little regret, one may bo sure, if the report of the resignation of JBlmiral Von Tirpitz in consequence of disagreements with the German Chancellory Von Bcthmann Hollweg turns out to be correct. In the cable to-day, no particulars are given, but it has been known for some time that Hollweg and Germany’s Naval Chief have not been in accord on the policy to be adopted with the Fleet. As one who should know the position, Tirpil/ favors conserving his units and building up for the great day “Ter Dag”for the might of the British Navy ha 1 - won from him much respect—whereas the Chancellor advocated an active campaign. There has also been much difference of opinion and heart-burn-ings over the submarine policy with respect to armed merchantmen. The real facts of the case gnay not he known for a long time, and in the meantime we must lie content to believe that there has been trouble in the enemy headquarters’ camp.

The latest 'reports from Egypt show that splendid progress is being made in the campaign against the Senuss' tribes, and the occupation of Solium was expected to he effected vosterdav. Solium is situate on the Gulf of tin

same name, which is about 300 miles west of Alexandria, on the border of Tripoli and the Lyblan desert. The collapse of opposition by the Bedoiuns appears to be complete, and many of their members are flocking into the British lines for shelter aftd food. There is not a word of the enemy attack on the Canal, and the success just Reported, although far removed from the scene of operations in the event of such an attempt, must have a salutary effect upon the Turks and Germans.