WESTERN FRONT.

Taihape Daily Times, 15 March 1918, Page 5

WESTERN FRONT.

WHAT OF THE WEST?

AN AUSTRIAN CRITIC’S OPINION

LONDON, March 13

The military critic of the “Lokai nzeiger,” in an article, apparently inspired, abandons the expectation of an immediate Western offensive. He argues that it is impossible for the Americans to outweigh the German accessions from the East. Delay would be good policy. Submarining would probably compel the Allies to resort to a hopeless, exhausting offensive, and then Germany would give the knock-out blow. GERMAN ATTACK FAILS, LONDON, March 13. A French com/m.unique says; The Germans attacked west .of Vaudosincourt, and after a lively engagement we drove the enemy out of some advanced . trenches wherein they had gained a footing. There is reciprocal artlilerying on the laft of the Meuse. iT - Admlr&lty wireless. —A German official: We raided the French trenches north-east of Fresnes and destroyed enemy works. AMERICANS IN ACTION. f : NEW. YORK, March 13. A United Press correspondent on the American front, says American artillery at Fopl inflicted heavy damage on the German positions. The Americans then raided German trenches again reaching the second line. American raids were also carried out east of Lunville.

A BELGIAN SUCCESS

Received 10 a.m,

LONDON, March 14

A Belgian communique states that after violent bombardment our troops gained a footing in the German trenches south-east of /Lombartz Dyke. We re-advanced and in hand-to-hand fighting stopped a counter attack. There are violent artillery actions over the whole front yesterday and to-day, which are most -violent in Nieuport and Dixmude regions.*

% BRITISH REPORT.

Received 10 a.m

LONDON, March 14, Sir D. Haig reports: We raided enemy trenches south-east of Epehy and successfully repulsed a raid north of Ypres station. Reciprocal artillerying is taking place south-west of Cambrax, and increased artillery work Is being put in at Neuve Chapelle and Fanquissant sectors.

MATCTTRD ARTILLERY ACTIVITY.

Received 10 55.

LONDON, March 14.

A French communique states there is .markad ,aprtilljery activity in Argonne and on the right bank of the Meuse.

A GERMAN WAR COUNCIL. TO OFFENSIVE. ><> 10.55 'A MSTERDAM, March 14. The Kaiser, Crown Prince, Hindenburg, and Ludendorff are coming to Brussels at the end of the week to visit thwFJanders front in connection -with the umpending offensive, which will probably be most violent at Ypres,' Germany’s next objective being Dunkirk.