FRENCH TAKE A HAND.

Taranaki Daily News, 27 March 1918, Page 5

FRENCH TAKE A HAND.

HEROICALLY FIGHTING TO EASE THE PRESSURE. VIOLENT * ARTILLERY ACTIONS NEAR RHEIMS. Received March 28, 5.5 p.m. London, March 23. A French communique reports: French troops began on the 23rd to intervene in the battle on the British front. They relieved a part of the British forces, and took up the struggle on their own account. They are at present heroically fighting in the region'of Noyan, disputing the heights on the right bank of the Oise with important German forces. There were violent artillery actions in the region of Courcy and Loivre, north-west of Rheims. Two enemy coups de main cast of Suippe river, in the Champagne, broke down. There is great artillery activity between Arracourt a-ud the Vosges. The enemy at dawn attacked east of Blemery and east of Badonvilers, but was repulsed with heavy losses. AMESICAN PRESS COMMENTS. New York, March 25. Newspapers commenting on the offensive point out that the Allies will be prepared to resist and return Germany's heaviest blows. The New York Times says that whether the Germans are making their final cast or not, a great offensive has begun, and unless the Germans break through on a wide front quickly, the offensive will be doomed to failure. The Tribune says the attack looks like an endeavor to disrupt the Allies' Supreme Council's plan for a coming campaign. So far the offensive has certainly not met Germany'a expectations. The New York World says that accepting the attack as the much advertised offensive, the Allies will wdcoine, rather than fear it, as they prefer the offensive to be made on the u'est front. Washington, March 24. The press generally accepts the seriousiness of the offensive, but is confident that the advance will be checked. The New York Tribune says: The situation is critical. Hindenburg won in the first phase, but the cost must be tremendous. Unless Haig can immediately repair the damage we must prepare for the gigantic open warfare which marked the Marne campaign. Mr. Frank Simmonds says: All now depends on the extent of Britain's forethought and preparation. Any considerable further advance would drive a wedge between the British and French. The New York Times says the news from the west front is disquieting, but there is no occasion to be down-hearted. Every offensive sijice trench warfare began has been halted, and we have indomitable faith in the powers of resistance of the heroic English?