THE VESLE EASILY FORCED.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 September 1918, Page 5

THE VESLE EASILY FORCED.

Americans Ready to Pursue. London, Sept. a. The Paris correspondent of the Daily Chronicle says that the Americans along the Vesle are poised in readiness for energetic pursuit on the first sign of a German break from the river in consequenco of Beneral Mangin's successes north of Soissons. The junction of the Vesle and the Aisne is the crucial point, and, if this is surrendered, the Germans must retreat to the Chemin dos Dames. Great fires on the northern hills in the enemy's rear throughout the night suggested that stores wove being destroyed, and the Vesle was easily forced at daybreak. Writing later the correspondent says it is evident that the main body of the enemy has withdrawn from the XoyonXesle sector. The French immediately began to advance and reached within two miles of Guiscard on the Noyon-Ham road. The French army is full of enthusiasm over the British victories, aud unstinted in its praise of the British generals.— Australian-Cable Assoc. An American Report. Kew York, Sept. 5. The British have captured Ploegsteert and Hill 63. The French and Americans north of the Vesle have reached the line of the Aisno and the Germans are retreating. It is also reported that the Germans are about to abandon La Fere and Chauny. The British captured 18,000 prisoners and 100 guns in four days.—Aus..»N.Z. Cable Assoc.