THE WORST KNOWN.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 March 1918, Page 5

THE WORST KNOWN.

FRENCH HOLDING STRONGLY. NOTHING RESEMBLING A BREAK THROUGH. Received Marcli 27, 5.5 p.m. London, March 2(i. Tlie Daily Chronicle",; correspondent '.villi tin- French armies says tlio French Higher Command is satisfied, even optimistic, as regards the position. Tlie correspondent adds thai ic may he taken we now know 'lie worst, and the enemy's utmost possible strength has been put into thi! lirst blow. The French are holding strongly in the Oi.se valley, and are in safe liaison with the British on the Somme. "Jt is in (lie nature of the ease t Rat 1 cannot state the grounds ot' the optimism of the French Higher Command." One-third of the German forces oh the Western front are engaged on one-eighth of the front. Possibly a secondary offensive may ho declared, out, judging hi the result of the first ulow. there is nothing resembling a break through. GERMANS USING TANKS. CLAIMED TO BE POWERFUL AND MOBILE Received March 27, 1.30 a.m. Times Service. Copenhagen, March 26. The Germans are using a large number of a new type of tank, which is claimed to hj powerful and markedly mobile. A semi-ollicial message "slates it is n.ainly owing to the attacks of tiiese tanks that the British line.-, and machinegun nests were easily destroyed. The tanks retii.-neil undamaged. The Vorwacrts correspondent states that the captured British tanks are being used to reinforce the Germans. ROYE CAPTURED. GERMANS CHECKED WESTWARD. Received Marcli 27, 7.10 p.m. London, March 20. The War Office announces that the Germans captured Roye this morning. The Germans have been checked westward of Roye and westward of Noyon. EXCITEMENT IN GERMANY. CALLOUSNESS OF GERMAN GENERALS. London, March 20. An eyewitness of the fighting tells remarkable stories of the callousness of the Germaf generals to their losses. In one case forty-eight guns were placed in the field in order to cover a quarter of a mile rush of attackers. The British heavy guns wiped out twelve batteries in a few minutes. The twelve batteries were immediately replaced, which the British demolished, men, horses, guns, and all, and the Germans put in a iurMior forty-eight guns. The Germans have now readied tlie Allied lino held prior to the kittle of the Somme at Marieourt. This is the head of the battering ram, hence the Kaiser's reference \.o Albert. But a summary of the whole"situation i ■■ contained in tlie fact that the British line gives but does not break. Even responsible Germans are preparing their public for possible disasters. Berlin telegrams state that the emotion of the people has reached fever heat. A large portion of the Berlin population all Saturday night crowded outside the newspaper offices awaiting news. The newspapers warn the- public against injudicious hopes of an early collapse of the-British army. Several war correspondents imply that the successes are paid for heavily. The war correspondent of the Frankfurter JJcitung states that the British, Frencii, and American reserves made a serious flank attack on the German wing west of La Fere, the spot being chosen with much ability, but we were prepared. During the next few days we will have to face 3trong,counter-a"ttacks. Tlie correspondent adds: "We have a resolute adversary who will make a desperate effort to turn the tide."

FEELING IN AMERICA. GROWING CONFIDENCE. New York, 'March 2C The New York Stock Exchange showed small early declines, but recovered later. Tlie American public follows every | move of the great offensive with the tensest interest Extra editions of the newspapers are rapidly bought up, but the first feeling of excitement has been replaced by growing confidence. The newspapers 0,-, not deny the seriousness of the situation, but are confident that the BritisJi line will not be broken. Officials at Washington point cut that the offensive will result in an almost unbelievable speeding up in America's preparations and will stop useless debates in Congress and unite America in throwing every resource into the struggle. It is realised that America's aid will be one- of the most important factors towards success. The New York Tribune says that one great fact to remember is that Sir Douglas Haig has retained his organisation and still presents an unbroken front. Mr. Henry Ford urges America to meet the German offensive by mobilizing the United States machinery and producing small tanks at the rate of 2000 daily. A high British officer say. that the Britis'b. have a strong reserve trench system fifteen mik-3 behind the lines. Much interest ha 3 been aroused by the report that Americans participated in the big battle. No confirmation of the news has been received at Washington.