The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1917. SMASHING THE GERMAN RESERVES
According to a recent cable, a military export at the West front has expresses the opinion that it is not at present a question of breaking through the tierman defences, but of smashing the German army, more particularly the reserves. There is far more conveyed in this assertion than would appear to tho casual observer, and its importance is emphasised by the- statement that the plan of Sir Douglas Haig and General Nivelle is to wipe out' tiie German reserve of a million men-, wjiich Manhal von Hindenburg massed for the great German offensive, of 1(117. The reason for adopting this line of tactics is obvious, for the reserves represent Germany's last supplies of fit men. It must he remembered, that Hindenburg relied on his reserves! for carrying/out his projected great offensive. Now'his scheme has been spoiled, for he has been obliged to use the reserves for defensive purposes, and about one half of the number have already been put out of action, while if the present rate of wastage is continued the last remnant of the reserves will disappear in a few weeks. If we examine closely the operations covered by Sir Douglas Haig's latest push, they fully bear out the policy of attrition which is embodied in the work of smashing the German reserves. Though the Anglo-French armies have appreciably advanced in spite of the ferociously desperate resistance of the enemy, it becomes apparent that the Allies' strategy has developed into a definite policy of destroying the enemy, rather than breaking through the Hindenburg line. The two objects are necessarily interwoven, but it is not difficult to conjecture how one may be a feint for tha prosecution of the other. This would in some measure explain why the great thrust has not yet accomplished its purpose. It may reasonably be assumed that the Anglo-French forces would iind the task of breaking through the new German lines much facilitated it the reserves were so depleted as to be a negligible quantity; therefore, it would naturally appear to he good generalship to uestroy the reserves as a means to the great end in view. We must give the Germans credit for making the best possible use of their i.st resources, and it would be extremely foolish to underestimate their strength and determination. The nature of the struggle shows that Germany is strippa.i for the last found, hence a vigorous policy of attrition would be of the utmost service. There must be no avoidable lulls in tho process of striking the enemy without cessation, decimating their forces and wearing them down. What appears to be the best and wisest course K simultaneous offensives on all the war fronts, but at the present time, just when Russia's full strength in the battle arena would bo of such immense sei vice, her help is not forthcoming. This serious drawback will, it is to be hoped, be only temporary, so that when our Russian ally does strike it may be with a force that will materially help to draw the conflict to a close. It is becoming more manifest every day that ,final victory must be achieved not on any one front, but on all- The time is rapidly •approaching when all tho Allies will bo able to take advantage of the .summer weather and better facilities for transport, and then they should put forthi their full energies in a common [-determination to secure that victory which we are all so eagerly awaiting. To have upset Hindenburg's calculations on the West front so materially is of itself ii masterstroke, but the German generalissimo has proved himself to be an expert military leader in all departments of tho war game except one—the reckless disregard' of the lives of his men. He u, in a way, playing into the Allies' hands by Baoi'lficing hundreds of thousands of troops. That is his one great weakness ,ani it wjll assuredly seal his fate and that of hip country. The British Premier should fee,! gratified with his great work in. organising the munitions output, for it is largely due to the ample resources of the Anglo-French in guns and shells I hat they are able to destroy tho enemy forces wliilo.-largcly conserving their own. .Germany is not yet beaten, but the terrible ravages that have teen made in her armies on the West front of late mo surely sapping her strength and paving the way for comparatively easy work in the final stages of the Allies smashing process that is destined to rid the world of the last vestige of military despotism.
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Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1917, Page 4
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774The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 9, 1917. SMASHING THE GERMAN RESERVES Taranaki Daily News, 9 May 1917, Page 4
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