DEVASTATION IN FRANCE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 July 1917, Page 6

DEVASTATION IN FRANCE.

HORRIBLE TREATMENT OF INHABITANTS. (London, June 23, After the Italian offensive Mr. Sydney Sims, special correspondent, spent several days with three French army groups. He writes:— As a result 6f the heroic fighting of our divisions on French soil they have found everywhere a cordial reception. Australia's name is high throughout France, and a dear differentiation Aas grown up between Australians and British. Amongst other distinguished generals who gave me hospitality at their headquarters, General Castelnau asked me to assure Australia oif the comradeship of the French Army, and with enthusiasm spoke of the Australian soldier a3 great in both attack and defence. "They are," he said, "les soldats complets." I visited the lines before St. Quentin, traversing twenty kilometres (about 12 miles) of the reconquered territory. I went to the forts of Douaumont and Souvillc on the devastated hills of Verdun, and stood in German territory in lines at Hartmannsweilcrkopf and Southern Alsace. Everywhere I found confidence and strength and youth in readiness for any sacrifice—for glorious (France. The doctrine of German invincibility has no follower in the [French Army. In each sector I visited I saw the Freneh battalions undertaking aggressive trench warfare in complete assurance as to who was master. Contempt df the Bodies in general, and especially amongst the armies in the devastated areas, has a deep note" of bitterness. The Poilus are war-lbitten, grim and homesick, but n<jne speak of peace without victory.

THE GRIM FRENCH SOLDIER. The only sign of the army's hard struggles is that it is slightly older and grimmer than the (British and Italians. It is still a game one. An extraordinary spectacle of war is to he found in the devastated area around Noyon. Kich orchard and farming lands have been laid bare, and every tree has (been systematically felled. Sugar factories have been blown up and houses destroyed. In villages built in large sectors nothing stands. Imagine the Goulburn Valley, with its townships, orchards, and settlements destroyed, and then you have the picture of this area. Germans had made life hideous for the inhabitants; 12,000 rescued near Noyon were skin and bone and dulled in intelligence;, I inspected several German encampments equipped with loot from the neighboring villages. One was elaborately built in a forest, du<* deep in the ground, with many signs of industry and comfort. There were signs also of moral degeneration.

ORGANISED GERMAN VICE. The French staff showed here indubitable proof of the German official organisation of soldiers' brothels in which local girls were compelled to live. It is no wonder that fierce hatred exists through the army. The commander of the Verdun fortress pointed with pleasure to the many stacks of Australian flour being used for the garrison. The Alsace fighting presents a strong likeness to Italy's mountain warfare. Long lines of mule transports sustain the armies planted deeply in the German territory. Lii in the rooky mountaiijibus trenches is hard, but gladly undergone in spite of the high price in endurance, for it is a sector of lovely, placid Alsace, in which the spirit of elation is apparent throughout the army and inhabitants. Summing up the visit, I would say that the French Army, like that of Germany, is past its maximum strength, and requires more assistance. Its economical use of men behind the lines and the appearance of middle-aged men in the trenches are indications of the clever organisation by which its strategical reserves are maintained. The army's affection and trust in General Pctain are everywhere evident. There was general delight when he was appointed Generalissimo. Except in certain political circles I saw no sign of French discouragement. On the other hand, France is clearly conscious that she cannot live as Prussia's neigrbor unless militarism is overthrown.

APPRECIATION OF AMERICA. The French newpapers devote great attention to the British offensives, and vie in expressing delight and appreciation of the Australian fighting capacity. America's intervention has aroused an intense feeling of joy throughout France. It has appealed to stricken France's imagination, and throughout the country and in army centres the American flag is seen intertwined with the tri-color. At the headquarters of the southern division the general has found an Australian flag, which lie placed honorably between the Tricolor and Stars and Stripes.