ENEMY GAINS GROUND BY PAROXYSING EFFORT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 10867, 4 June 1918, Page 5

ENEMY GAINS GROUND BY PAROXYSING EFFORT.

FRESH TROOPS POURED INTO TITE STRUGGLE. Renter. LONDON. June 2. A correspondent at French headquarters, writing yesterday morning, states that in this salient, of the western front the enemy continues his pressure over the great plateau east of the Oise valley, and southward towards Xeuilly St.. Front, which is about six miles from the nearest sector of the enemy line. On the Marne the enemy holds the river bank for a distance of three miles e.iM- of Chart-eves. He continues to pour fresh troops into the struggle. The Germans have already engaged nearly 50 divisions. Forty divisions were ordered to participate in the offensive as originally planned on the Aisne, and another five were engaged by the extension of the enemy's front northwest of Soissons. Among these troops are some of the best and most carefully trained storm divisions in the German army. Of 23 divisions, composing the army of assault on March 21, 15 have been identified in the attack on the Aisne. These divisions were withdrawn from the Picardv battlefield at the end of March, brought up to strength, and given a few weeks' strenuous training for the new offensive.

The Germans during the night advanced between Chateau Thierry and Chaudin. This is accepted in Paris and London as meaning that a vast open battle for Paris must soon be. fought. It is indisputable that the Crown Prince led unceasing reinforcements in a paroxysm of effort and made a considerable advance to day, making it a matter of only a few hours when a most critical battle with the allied reserves will be fought. The enemy made progress west of Chateau Thierry, along the Marne and Ourcq Valleys. Correspondents declare that the French retreat from the- Ailctte was a skilful manoeuvre, carried out with very small losses. Crowds of refugees are arriving in Paris and are being sent to Normandy. M. Clemenceau has issued an official circular suspending all leave except in case of illness.