GERMAN SCHEMES WRECKED

Taihape Daily Times, 27 April 1918, Page 4

GERMAN SCHEMES WRECKED

The Germans have resumed operations in France on a fainy large scale, bu. they have, no comparison,,with former thrusts as regards magnitude and bitterness. They rather savour of sparring for jumping otf positions, and efforts to secure more elbow-room. It is true that very large forces are at work, but that is imperative if real intention to advance is the motive. The defence of the Allies is now so strong that many divisions of the enemy thrown against it make but little impression. It was vital to German success that there should be no delay, in achieving their objectives, failure means new plans and new organisation and new objectives, or nejv methods and routes to the old objectives. German intentions are now equally well-known to the Allies, and to know is to frustrate so long as the superiority of numbers is on the right side. It is almost certain that Ostend and Zoebrugge were crippled owing to B'ritish discovery of the nature of the new plans being readied by Germany. Until Hindeuburg can make preparations for a further offensive on greater plane than anything yet attempted, without molestation by the Allies, he knows his ultimate defeat is certain. New schemes have been upset or dangerously delayed by the bottling up of Ostend and Zeebruggc; what course to cripple the Allies before America is ready will be. taken no one now can very well predict. Large German armies are cooped up in cramped positions where they can neither develop a forceful effort for more room, or get in supplies without being terribly harried by Allied artillery and aircraft. The Allies are growingly confident; they seem to have fenced in the enemy where he is; struggles against the bars of bayonets result in loss of ground preponderating over gains. Eeports of great concentrations of the enemy at various places do not seem to disturb the Allied confidence. It may bo taken as quite certain, however, that Hindcnburg will not delay operations one minute longer than he is compelled to do| There will be no ! lengthy lull on the west front; Germany can have' nothing to gain by :waiting; the state of food and maripowmr is against delay. The Balkans are again the scene of heavy fighting', and it remains to be seen whether assistance can be given by Germany or Austria to help Bulgaria to stop a wave that has commenced to roll. We believe Germany has been foiled in an attempt to roll up-the Allied northern flank in Flanders-and so gain possession of Calais, and it now remains to be seen what new plans will disclose.