In the West

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 27, 28 December 1916, Page 5

In the West

JOFFRES PROMOTION. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. | Paris, December 27. A decree is being issued, promoting General Joffre to the rank of Marshal.

MARSHALL OF FRANCE. "ACT OF CRATITUDE AND JUSTICE." Press Association—Copyright, Austra lian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received 9.45 a.m.) Paris, December 27. General Lyautey, in a letter to Trasident Poincare, states: THe ciignny of Marshall of France has been in abeyance owing to the long peace, and it could not be better revived than as a favour to General Joffre, who, at the Marne and on the Yser, arrested the terrible onslaught at a moment when the enemy thought to attain his aim, and compel us to submit to their will. The whole country awaited from the Government this act of gratitude and justice. . , GENERAL HAIC'S REPORT. Press Association —Copyright, Auswa- . lian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 27. General Sir Douglas Haig reports.We raided positions north-east of Armentieres and east of Ploegstreevt, prisoners being "ecuie.l. - COLONEL REPINCTON'S ADVICE. Press Association—Copyright, Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. London, December 27. Colonel Repington, forecasting the 1917 military situation, says it is unlikely to improve for many months, and may even become worse owing to past mistakes. The Allies have now almost invested Austro-Germany, though the'enemy still receives supplies from the south-east. Colonel Repington, while favoring a complete investment, advocates that the chief efforts should be made on the West front, where increased, numbers of men ■ and heavy guns In tne spring of 1917 will permit an offensive on a larger front than that of the Somme. "We now have the whiphand on the West front, and it will lie a mistake to transfer the main effort to distant theatres. We shall seek a great decisive victory, which is only obtainable on the West."