The Daily News. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1918. THREATENING THE GERMAN LINE.

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1918, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1918. THREATENING THE GERMAN LINE.

There are two extremely important objects that appear to be engaging the serious attention of the Allied armies on the western front. One is the Hindenburg line, and the other is the border line. With regard to the Hindenburg line, the British and Australian attack cleared the way to an attack on the main defensive line north of Bellenglise, so that] it is probable an early thrust may be made against the main trench system where it crosses the plateau at the rear of Bony. It is certain that the Germans regard this sector as of the -utmost importance, so that its defence will conseqaentstrougitasi%canvbe mad^

J but both tlie French and the BritI ish have achieved this year very I rapidly tasks that last ve- . ■

pied months of stubborn 'i'l- :-ov,'c.i'Tul attack made by the (u l l ■ ■: ':", I o recover Havriucourt is evi'.!..". :• ol the gravity of the German position at this point, and the defeat ol: their object will probably lead to important results. It is, however, on what may be termed line operations that most interest has centred since the brilliant operations at St. Mihiel were carried out and subsequently extended. The latest official summary of war work alludes to the striking success of the Americans at this sector, and states that now the ground has been captured between the Meuse and the Moiselle the Allies are able at any time to mount an attack in that direction, and to threaten the security of the whole German line. Besides this, there is the threat against Metz and the important side-lines of communications through Strassburg, Metz and Montmedy. It is at once apparent that the Germans cannot allow the Allies to advance further in this direction without risking an invasion of the Fatherland. It is quite probable, however, that Marshal Poch has no present intention of attempting to take Metz. What seems to be probable is a general offensive on the Moiselle basin, for it is there that Germany's great mineral wealth is awaiting capture. This wealth has assured the economic ,and industrial supremacy of Germany since the conquest of 1871, and it has been asserted by high German authorities that if Germany is deprived of her iron and coal the war must soon be lost for her. The district containing this wealth extends from Longwy in the north to below Nancy in the south, and includes the Briey valley. How important these minerals are to Germany is shown by the fact that the mines of Lorraine supply eighty per cent, of the metal used in the German Empire's foundries. The district also contains some of the richest salt mines in Europe, besides rich deposits of potash 'salt, estimated at over a million cubic feet, and giving Germany an enormous advantage in the production of many essential ingredients in chemicals and explosives. The mines are linked up by a most elaborate system of communications, and a number of purely strategic railways have been built. It can readily be understood that such an area so vital to Germany's existence as a military power will be defended with desperation, but the Hindenburg line must also be defended unless the Germans concentrate the whole of their forces on the Moselle, and that would mean the evacuation of Belgium and Prance. It will have been noticed that frequent mention has been made of Allied air raids on the railway triangle of Le Sablon, leading out of Metz. These raids have done much to disorganise the traffic from the mines, as well as the communications between the mines and the industrial centres of Germany. Taking a careful view of the whole position, it would seem that the Allies would be most likely to advance their war aims by a powerful offensive in the rich coal and iron district referred to. The American Army has already proved itself to be as highly trained a fighting machine as the German, French and British, and to give that army the place of honor in an offensive on a grand scale, the objective being the capture of the rich mineral region, would probably be a master stroke of strategy. If such a move is contemplated, then it should soon materialise, for it is during the winter months that the Germans rely upon replenishing their supplies of guns and munitions, so that an attack, in spite of the great difficulties that would be encountered, would be more effective now than at a later period. The operations would probably involve the taking of Metz, which is the key to the situation, and with the help of the flying squadrons even the capture of such a stronghold as Metz can be entered upon with confidence. Moreover, the Allies would be in a position then either to make an enveloping movement on the enemy or to invade German territory. It would seem from the latest cable news that the enveloping movement has commenced. Early on Thursday morning a Franco-American offensive—the largest they have yet undertaken—was commenced on a forty-mile front, the French attacking in the Champagne district ,and the Americans operating farther east, in which direction their main force was previously operating. That the offensive is to be on a grand scale is evident from the enormous concentration of artillery and gas shells. Already the Americans, north-west of Ver.dun, have penetrated the enemv's lines to a depth of over seven pities, and captured twelve towns .besides 5000 prisoners, working towards the Meuse. There is no data that will indicate the ultimate objective at which the Allies are aiming, but it would not be surprising to find that ah endeavor wiu be made to advance to

Longwy, and from there commence ' one of the most important offenives in the war. Developments , \. ill be awaited with absorbed inI tercst.