MIGHTY GERMAN EFFORT.

Taihape Daily Times, 4 January 1918, Page 5

MIGHTY GERMAN EFFORT.

CONCENTRATING on west FRONT. LONDON, December 27. Christmas is being spent on the west and Italian flouts in ceaseless military preparations. Except for the special Christmas puddings and a little extra jollity in the. messes, the festival passes unnoticed. Officers and men are absorbed in urgent duties, to meet the changed situation. The constant aiassing of German troops, guns, and aeroplanes in France and Flanders is undeniable, but, having, during the last few days seen considerable sections of the British and French armies I can testify that they are not perturbed. FRENCH RESERVES SPLENDIDLY FIT. The French, after a comparatively easy year, are magnificently fit, and they have numerous divisions which were not used in offensives during 1917 and these fresh men must bo given an 'lmportant place in any calculations of the immediate prospects. ‘‘l passed long columns of Frenchmen of splendid physique, with perfect equipment, looking fully equal to the ' Australians, who are acknowledged to have the finest physique in the British armies. They gave no sign of being tired —an old Gallic characteristic. They had a martial appearance, as though they were accustomed to long wars. SPECIAL BLOW AGAINST BRITISH TROOPS. The selection by the Germans of the British front for their main concentration of men is doubtless due to a

belief that the British armies are tired after their recurrent attacks, which, are considered to have produced the heaviest- fighting in the war in Avhich. used time and again. The strain on Britain has been intensified byfthe dispatch of help to the Italians.’The Germans know that when woumibd. 3nen\ietiirn from the hospitals and new. drafts arrive, the armies will be reinvigorated, therefore they are likely, to press their attacks at the earliest rhpmcnt.-There is every indication of a prodigious offensive. There is no sign yet of the Austrian divisions on the west front, but th© German units are being filled with fresh, expert, young drafts, from tho Russian front. TERRIFIC FIGHTING EXPECTED.

The offensive is not a question of to-day or to-morrow. Perhaps it is throe months’ ahead; it may be only a few weeks. But there are indications that it will be the greatest gamble in the world’s history—no less than a determined effort to break through for the Channel ports, or Paris, before America is ready.

Experts agree that there is ample time for long, sustained, heavy fighting before the Americans are sufficiently massed and experienced to be seriously reckoned upon. The Germans appear to be proceeding systematically Such offensives as they are planning; require accumulations of stores, ammunition, and heavy guns, new: roads, hutments, and vast of men. British fighters believe that the German's, who have been brought from Russia show lowered moral, on account of their long inactivity. Some surrender easily, and others dislike going over the top. A noted Australian battalion officer has said: “Those new, Huns will not attack unless they are, in such numbers as to be able to lean, against each other.” This comparative incapacity of the Germans to attack successfully against the British and French is one reason for absolute! confidence during what everyone admits be the worst months of the war, ALLIES CONFIDENT FOR 1918. It is expected that the Germans will attempt a master-stroke against tho French, who proclaim their preparedness. Tho Press, publishes statements by officers saying that the soldiers are! fully concious of the enemy’s preparations. They Rmre never more valiant, and never was their moral higher, or, more magnificent. While the Huns are working day and night, constructing roads, saps, and emplacements, the British and French are labouring without an hour’s respite, making formidable obstacles, trenches, and redoubts, with unquenchable ardour. Germany’s central position enables her to concentrate rapidly especially if Austrian divisions appear, as is threatened, but the sticking power of the British even in poor trenches, plus masses of guns, justifies confidence in what will happen in 1918.