The Western Front

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 245, 25 March 1915, Page 5

The Western Front

BATTLE OF THE MARNE.

SIR JOHN FRENCH'S REPORT. "MUNITIONS, AM) MORE MUNITION S." Paris, March 23. Sir Jolin French, interviewed by the Ilavas Agency, saiil: "This is a rou?h war, but the problem is simple, namely, muu tions, and always more munitions. '1 his is tile essential condition for all progress. The Germans need them more than the Allies, and by economising' the German morale lias deteriorated and is showing weariness, due to the collapse of their plans for a lightning victory. Lack of food is also hampering them." Sir John French added: "I do not believe in a protracted war. The spring has begun well for the Allies. The damp and foggy winter in no wis* damped the Britishers' good humor and cheerineßs. The French troops, too, ire in excellent form and well provided." London, March 23. "Eyewitness" at headquarters emphasises the imperative necessity of securing the highest output of guns und ammunition in Britain. Nowadays Providence lies on the side of the big Latteries more than the big battalions. At Neuve Chapcllc it was stiown that the strongest entrenched positions can be carried with less loss'to the attackers than defenders if the assault is sufficiently prepared by artillery, and counterattacks to regain the lost ground are j almost bound to fail with immense loss on those attempting them. "VICTORY AWAITS US." FIELD-MARSHAL FRENCH CONFIDENT. Received March 25, 1.30 a.m. London, March 24. Sir Jolin French's Haras interview concludes: ''l myself and all those with me are convinced that at the end of three hard months of war definite victory awaits us." A NOVEMBER INCIDENT. HOW THE GERMANS WERE STAYED Received, March 24, 9.45 p.m. | London, March 24. Tn a continuation of Sir John French's official review he pays a tribute to the tenacity and brilliancy with which the British maintained their positions en the Aisne. The German efforts to outflank them were assisted by the concentric form of their front, which shortened the length of their transports. Finally they brought up eighteen new army corps in an effort to pierce the Allies' left. They were, however, defeated, and the barrier which fteneral Joft're desired was finally established on November 15 th.

I ZEPPELINS OVER PARIS. A SUCCESSFUL RUSE. THE VISITORS DRIVEN OFF. Received March 24, 5.25 p.m. Parisians are bitterly disappointed at the result of the Zeppelin raid. Despite warning bugles, the people, stormed into the street and Razed anxiously into the darkness. When the theatres were emptied tile patrons had great difficulty in reaching their homes in the stygian blackness. divided into two groups, which endeavored to fly over the citv. When the French aeroplanes attacked they disappeared, and the Authorities reported that the danger was ended. But the Germans" instead of withdrawing, circumnavigated Paris and returned. The second attempt was immediately spotted, and the visitors cleared off. FORTY-EIGHT BOMBS IN PARIS. GREAT CONCENTRATION AT ANTWERP. , Paris, March 23. Besides the Zeppelin stopped at Vill.-rs Catterets, others attempted to rca-h Paris, hut did no harm. It is believed the French aeroplanes drove them off. Forty-eight bombs were dropped in Paris in Saturday's raid. London, March 23. Amsterdam states that the Germans scattered in Bruges and Ghent are being gathered to garrison Antwerp, hecause the. Germans expect, the Allies to make an early movement, and if Germany is unable, to bold tV line of i Yser it is not cxpect.-rf that Ghent £ml Bruges will 1» defended. YOUNG BELGIANS SHOT. ONE TURNS TRAITOR. Received March 21, 7.20 p.m. Amsterdam, March 24. Seventeen Belgian*, mostly young peasants, were shot to-day at the Ghent barracks. A German court-martial found them guilty of espionage, but offered them their lives on certain conditions, which all, with one exception, refused. SETTING TRENCHES ABLAZE. SUCCESSFUL GERMAN TRICK. Received March 24, 8.35 p.m. Paris, March 21. Official: The Germans sprinkled our trenches at Vaui]Uois with burning liquid and the occupants withdrew. We carried a line of trenches at ITartmannSweilerkopf.

QUESTIONS OF STRATEGY DISCUSSED. London. Mnreli 2:!. The Ki-eoml instalment of tlie Eremli war review attributes tlie precipitate viveat :>t Manie to tlie Hermans l>rin:;iii- several army rorps northwards to face tin- French li ft jiiml permitting ilie I>riUsh to attack 1 he Herman left. Three other armies <lll tlm of the Frendi centre <1 • joiiclied wi-.-t ward <»n the er. • ■iDv'f! Jhnik at West Arjjonne and compelled flu- withdrawal of tin* ma«s of 11m(iermans, also involving their left. Ihirthe seven days l»attle, two millions Avere The French ;ii'ii 1 m-s were articulated closely to each other and from the Moment (liaf tlmv moved forward tu.-y never a?ain fell h;iek.