MOTHER COUNTRY.

Taranaki Daily News, 7 October 1918, Page 6

MOTHER COUNTRY.

' ; SIX SEPARATE ATTACKS.' ' , GENERAL SUMMARY. i London, Oct. & Since the offensive commenced on the 2Ctb, Marshal! Foch has inaugurated six separate attacks between the sea and the Meuse, and substantial progress has been made on all fronts. . The Americans have broken the German line west of the Meuse on a front of 43 miles to a depth of 9 miles. Tha iijiemy'a intention was to make a gradual withdrawal to the line-of the Aisne, where he had constructed strong defences. It was ai easterly extension of the Hindenburg system. The American and French advance surprised the enemy, who anticipated instead a great American effort in the direction of Metz. The German plans of withdrawal therefore miscarried, and ihe lost 23,000 prisoners and 400 guns. In the Meuse sector the Allies are contending with great difficulties, owing to the thick woods, few roads, and hills hampering movements and observation.

In order to avoid the invasion of Austria and keep Turkey in the war it will be necessary for the Central Powers to establish a new line on the Danube front where the Central Powers have an excellent railway. The only troops available are 33 German and ,3 Austrian divisions in Russij. These are of inferior quality, and the diversion of troops means the abandonment of the gains of the Brest Litovsk Treaty. The German control of the Black Sea allows her to reinforce Constantinople very quickly, but it is very doubtful whether she can afford to sen<\ troops to Turkey. We have captured CO,OOO prisoners and 32a guns in Palestine since September 10. The Turks have considerable | forces at Aleppo, but the serious danger now threatening Constantinople will probably compel the transfer of the greater part of the Turkish army for the defence of European territory.— All3-N.Z. Cable Assn. Received Oct. 5, 5.5 p.m. London, Oct. 4. The Press Bureau states that the War Cabinet has appointed Sir George Cave as chairman of tflie Inter-departmental War Prisoners Committee, which will be responsible for all questions affecting prisoners of war in enemy countries. — Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter.