DURATION OF THE WAR.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 November 1917, Page 5

DURATION OF THE WAR.

AT LEAST TWO YEARS.

NEW YORK, Nov 28. The New York World’s London correspondent cables a striking war interview with Lord Sydenham (formerly Governor of the leading authorities on artillery in England). He stated .that the recent events on the Italian front have falsified calculations as to the duration of the war. No doubt Austria longed for peace, but events in Italy revived Germany’s ambitions x Nothing bdt - the disillusionment which failure on land and sea alone would would force- Germany and her subservient vassals to propose a basis of peace which the Allies could accept. Russia had temporarily ceased to be a factor in the war. The best that could be hoped for was that the Italian line on the Piave would be held, otherwise it must go back to the Adige. It was the Allies’ duty to save Italy, and thus the vast world issue might mainly depend on America’s efforts. Germany’s economic position was bad. Berlin regarded the winter most anxiously. There was heavy mortality among German civilians through malnutrition, but the Allies must not

abate their efforts. America represented reserves of tremendous potonfiity in the closing phase of the war. len 10,000 American aeroplanes were on the ■west front and a similar number reinforced the Italians ? the end would be in sight Viscount French, interviewed by the same correi ) mdcrt said that it was essential for t-he Allies to forego all thoughts of peace and concentrate on a more vigorous prosecution of the war. ’ Admiral Sir Cyprian Bridge said that he could see no prospect of the war ending in less than two years. Admiral Henderson said: “My opinion is that no of peace can bo entertained prior to December, 1918.