UNITED STATES.

Taranaki Daily News, 3 April 1918, Page 5

UNITED STATES.

THE DESPATCH OF TROOPS. SPEEDING-UP MEASURES. MORE TRANSPORTS WANTED. Received April 2, 0.30 p.m. New York, April 1. American troops arc being sent to France to the fullest capacity of the transports. It is impossible to speed up the transportation of troops unless more ships are available. ' Conferences an- being held with the object of speeding up the despatch of troops. Several divisions are ready awaiting transports. The "Government will increase the reinforcements by curtailing grain shipments and eliminating all unnecessary freight during March. THE SITUATION AT THE FRONT GENERAL PERSHING'S REASSURING MESSAGE. Received April 2, 9.55 p.m. New York, April 1. General Pershing has cabled that the situation on the West Front has im- j proved.

GENERAL FOCH'S APPOINTMENT., CORDIALLY APPROVED. INDICATIVE OP COUNTEROFFENSIVE. ■ . Received April 2, 5.30 p.m. New York, April 1. Madame Despina Storch (the "Beautiful Turk - '), who was suspected of being a spy, died of pneumonia at the immigration headquarters, where she was held pending deportation to France, pending deportation to France. The New York World reflects the general view when it says that the experience of the last ten days demonstrates that unity of command' is vital if the Allies are ever to break Germany's military might. The appointment in itself is a battle won.

The New York Times says the appointment is conclusive evidence that the Allies contemplate a great counter-offen-sive. We believe a blow will be aimed at the German flank. The German attack at Arras has stopped momentarily, and in that moment General Foch enters.

BRITISH PLANS PREARRANGED. GERMANS PROPOSE AN INDEMNITY. AMERICAN AEROPLANES IN USE. Received April 2, 5.5 p.m. Washington, April 1. General Bell, giving evidence before the Senate Military Committee, said: "When I was in France recently I was informed by the British that their plan to meet the German offensive by r British withdrawal was in complete accordance with the pre-arranged plan. A successful counter-offensive could now be expected. According to Hague telegrams, the Germans are already anticipating better peace terms as the result of the advance on the West front. The National Liberals in the Reichstag proposed a resolution demanding a war indemnity, and thfe majority parties offered no objection. The question was referred to a committee.

A cable from General Pershing confirms the Paris announcement that General Pershing has made available the American aeroplanes for use against the German offensive. General Pershing adds: Our divisions will be used when needed by the Anglo-French armies. They are confident and in fine spirits.

[OBVIATING STRIKES IN WAR TIME. AGREEMENT BETWEEN EMPLOYERS AND MEN. Received April 2, 7.40 p.m. New York, April 1. Representatives of the United States employers and workers have adopted a plan designed to obviate strikes • and lock-outs during the war. WAR ON BULGARIA. Received April 2, 11.30 p.m. New Consequent on the announcement that Bulgarian troops are engaged on the West front, it is expected America will shortly declare war on Bulgaria.