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Taranaki Daily News, 2 November 1916, Page 4

THE WAR'S DECISIVE PHASE. In a recent interview .with General Jofl're, cabled to the Sydney Sun, the French Generalissimo makes this significant pronouncement: "We are in the decisive phase of the war. This phase will continue for some time, and its duration can only be shortened by bringing into full motion the whole resources of the allied 1 nations." This contention is strikingly emphasised by a Loniion cable appearing in to-day's news, wherein it is stated that the military authorities are insistent on obtsining more men for winter training, so as to be ready for the offensive in the spline;. It will come as a surprise to most people in the Empire that there are three and a half million men in Britain who are not employed on munition work or specially exempted trades of national necessity. The statement made concerning the failure of the exemption appeal tribunals to do their duty is dist-'retlj 7 unpleasant, and the fact that the Government is one of the worst offenders in ■keeping back young men who ■ should have gone to the front will certainly ""use uneasiness and discontent. Al[idy suggestions have been made for a thorough overhaul of the exemption machinery ami for the institution of an effective system that will provide all the men who are so vitally necessary to secure complete victory. "France," said ''eneral Jofl're, "has willingly .endured

groat sacrifices. She is resolved to .consecrate to the very end all her living and material forces to the great ta=k." That is precisely what Britain and the units of the Empire must do. In the final phase of the war the crucial moment of the decisive battle must inevitably arrive, ami in anticipation of that, as well as of the fierce ar.d prolonged struggles whiclv may be expected to precede it, the Allies must gather all their strength. It is man-power that counts, together with munitions. Now, more llian ever, does the appeal for more men resound throughout the British Empire. For the moment there is a slackening in the response, but this must not be. Instead, there should be a concentration of effort, and every available man should add to the strength of the Allies. There is still much to be done, and it calls for the consecration to the very end of all our living and material forces. How needful men are is exemplified just now in the case of the enemy's offensive against Roumania. He has come to a standstill for want of larger forces. That is the lesson of the war. The Allies must have an overwhelming predominance of men and munitions in order to crush the enemy. Our men at the various fronts are crying out: "Come over and help us!" and we are bound to give all the help that is needed,