THE ROAD TO PARIS.

Taihape Daily Times, 11 June 1918, Page 4

THE ROAD TO PARIS.

The Germans, on Sunday evening, recommenced their efforts to reach Paris. As was anticipated, they have

determined to break away the Allied grip on their right flank, finding that progress towards tlieir objective was out of the question with the narrow passage between Rheims and Soissons. This colossal attack has been launch, ed between Montdidier and Noyon, some distance to the north-west of Soissons, but as it advances it will undoubtedly b e extended to the latter place if it is successful. At present little more than the bare fact that the onslaught is in progress has come to hand. It is mentioned, however, that enemy gains are confined to the advanced zone. There are no sensational drives of a cheap and effective character for Germans to gloat over; they are being held to an extent which means that the Allies are exacting a very high price, as nothing could stem the waves of Hun life but its rapid, terrible, and appalling destruction by the Allied defence. The enemy had only gained advanced positions, but the battle is progressing, and the French are discreetly forming an entrenched camp for the protection" of their city. It appears that the Crown Prince's army, that drove through to the Marne, is resting while the army on his right seeks to widen the front. If this army fails, then Prince Rupprecht's army to the left of the Crown Prince will probably endeavour to seize territory eastward of Rheims. The thrust for Paris is intended to restore the prestige of the Hohcnzollerns, that now seems evident. An army on either side of the Crown Prince is to ensure his success; none but a Hohenzollern can be given the honour of capturing the French capital, but will the triple-headed nammer striking at Paris succeed? We have no cause at present to think it wiil. Unfortunately, with the knowledge at our disposal, we must conclude that most favourable circumstances are operating in German interests, but the Allied line has been recently strengthened with half a million Amrican soldiers who, by their bravery, have wrought a dramatic change on the French people. A new courage and determination has arisen that will have its effect en future German thrusts for Paris. These Americans have helped to hold the Hun massed waves from going any further - 'in the first day than the advanced Allied positions, in their first, most powerful, high-spirited attack. The" Germans were probably told that they would overpower the defence and rush on almost without hindrance or casualty for miles, capturing and subduing everything in their way, and we can well imagine what affect, the huge loss involved in being held to advanced positions by Allied guns, and the disappointment of not meeting with the successful run promised by their officers would have on the whole German force in action. The piles of their dead over which they are to clamber and contribute to, wiil take much of the ardour from them and reduce their hitherto high spirits to zero. The opening run is evidently not such an easy one as that enjoyed by the Crown Prince's men. This holding back the thrust to advanced positions gives some hope that news to-day will confirm the idea of effective resistance the Allies are offering.