The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23. THE WAR SITUATION.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1917, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, MAY 23. THE WAR SITUATION.

A general review of the position of affairs at the various theatres of the war affords material for satisfaction of a kind that leaves room for the desire for greater activity and more pronounced results. It is not because there is a lack of patience and faith in tho ultimate issue, but tho Allies should now be at the zenith of their striking power and it is only natural demonstrative evidence should be looked for as the result of their preparedness for big doOn the West front the AngloFrench have done excellent work in face of most determined enemy opposition. The piercing of the Ilindenburg line, and the great losses inflicted on the enemy tell their own story, but ! the progress is far from rapid and yet is probably ns much as could be expected under the circumstances, for rashness is about the last blunder we should expect from Sir Douglas Haig. One of the remarkable features on this front has been the change in the French Commander-in-Chief, General Petain having superseded General Nivelle. A change like this not only created surprise at such an important crisis in the struggle, but set people wondering why it was made. It would almost seem as if General Nivelle had only been occupying the position as Commander-in-Chief of the French armies on probation and that lie had been found wanting in strategy. There is no doubt that as a tactician he lias made a great reputation, but the situation is pre-eminently one for a strategist, and there is a possibility that Marshal Joffre has brought pressure to bear on the Council of Ministers to replace General Xivello by Gennral I'Main. Whether the

latter fills the bill oi- nob must be left for the Xuture to disclose, but if Joffre had a hand in the 'business, as presumably ho bad, then it, must bo assumed boyoKsidcrs the appointment justiiii'd. It is fur more pleasing to note Hit! appointment of General Foch as Chief of Stuff for lie luis acquired a fluropeau reputation as a strategist. On tbe assumption. therefore, that I'ocli will supply the strategy anil I'etain will furnish the energy the Anglo-French offensive will bo materially advanced. Much will, of course, depend on the policy adopted by the new Frtncb High Command—whether they continuo or break off tho present offensive and adopt other plans, and a decision on tills point must soon be taken. At present tho French are 121) miles from Gernuin territory, and the question is whether tho best results would not be obtained by an attack made over tho Lorraine border, for no other point offers the same strategical' opportunities, and the moral effect of invading German soil would be immense, and it would crumple up Hindeuburjr's defensive scheme. We liavo to remfember, however, that the Germans have removed largo forces from other fronts, thus enabling' them to concentrate their main power in the West. It stands to reason that if the French adopted this course tho work of tho 'British forces would be largely increased. The key of tho whole J matter is Eussia. If she loses 110/ time in commencing a vigorous offensive the task of tho Allies will bo greatly lessened. It is Iter great opportunity and on its acceptance depends tha duration of the war. Sir Douglas Haig has a thorough grip of tlie work that falls to liis lot, and bis progress testifies to the soundness of his generalship. The idea of invading Germany is alluring, but not without its difficulties, yet there are few who 'would not like to see the movement materialise. A smashing blow 'by Rusaia would be of timely assistance. What temporary gains the Germans have received on the West front have been obtained by sheer weight of numbers, showing how we are suffering from Rus-

sia's inaction. On the Italian front the news is very satisfactory, being the most important that has yet come to hand from that quarter, The Italian offensive seems to be characterised, by the greatest dash and determination, and the fact that British artillery is assisting would hearten up our Ally. The key to the enemy's defensive system is Monte Santo (2280 feet high), and the key to Monte Santo is Monte Vodiee (over 2000 feet highj. The latest cables report the capture of tbe latter in the defeneo of which -waves and waves of Austrians were brought up only to be liroken by the Italians. Once through the mountainbus country the Italians will cross the Carso plateau to the South and meet the /enemy on equal terms on the front noriii of Gorizia. As they have been able 10 Biiceeed when heavily handicapped by mountains and rivers we may confidently expect great things when level terms are met with. From Salonika comes the news that we have advanced our linek 011 the southwest portion of Krastali ivnd have ad- j vunced on the Struma. It is not, how-

ever, at this point that a great offensive will be> looked for, Dut on the left flank. At tlie same time it is satisfactory to know thai our forces are cn the move, and it should not be long before important operations are in full swing. All eyes are now on Eussia now that-the political situation has ipassed the crisis and the Generals have returned, to the frvnt. Realising the danger of the German menace the Russians should put their whole heart and soul into the work 0! the Allies. The general outlook is all the more encouraging by reason of the grip that has been obtained on the submarine operations, and the generous help promised by America on land and sea. It seems to be understood that ■President Wilson,, having once put his hand to the war machine, is going to work it with characteristic American vim, and that the United States will render all possible aid to the Allies. This help, coupled with the co-operation of Japan augurs well for tbe success of the Allies. It is now that every ounce of added power will tell, and the actipn ot Canada in adopting conscription recognises the call to the Dominions to do their utmost, and each should vie with the other in rendering the utmost assistance to bring the terrible struggle to a close as early as possible.