THE WAR SITUATION.

Taihape Daily Times, 17 June 1918, Page 5

THE WAR SITUATION.

o COMBATANTS' POWERS SUMMED GERMANS, ADVANTAGE IN OPEN WARF^RE. LONDON, June 35.

The Australian Press Association learns that the Germans used approximately 40 divisions on the Aisne and 20 in the latest attack, totalling Go since May 27th. The situation, therefore, gives no cause for dissatisfaction as to the enemy's objective, but undoubtedly his intention was to capture Compeigne, and establish himscl 1 : '

the Noyon-Compeigne-Chateau Thierry line, giving an opportunity for an advance on Paris. Although the situation has improved to the extent indicated ,there is still cause for anxiety, because the Germans have not shown their hand. Few of Prince Rupprecht's divisions have been used. The bulk belonged to the Crown Prince. Prince Rupprecht's reserves are still practically intact. The German ability to advance after initial successes is due to the exceptional training given to infantry,, machine gunners and artillery. Assault troops possessed great initiative, pushing forward and capturing tactical points. Their action was supported by mobile artillery. These were the principal factors in the enemy's success. The Germans last year utilised the lull in Russia to instruct vast numhers of troops in open warfare. Th<* Allies never had enough men. after th* lire was manned, to spare large bodies for such intensive training. The Germans are now getting the benefit of the training. When the specially-trained men are exhausted the rest will not be superior, but possibly inferior to tlie British and French. It is unjustifiable to suggest that the Germans have evolved a system bevond the ability of the Allies tc counter. The weather has also consistently favoured the Germans. WADE'S WORM FlGS.—Wonderful Worm Worriers. Price V 6