BRITISH TAKE OVER ANOTHER SECTION OF FRONT

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 57, 23 February 1918, Page 5

BRITISH TAKE OVER ANOTHER SECTION OF FRONT

LINE FROM ST. QUENTIN TO THE RIVER OISE. LONDON, February 22. The headquarters correspondent of the United Press states that the British troops on Tuesday took over another considerable sector of the front tsouth of St. Quentin as far as the River Oise. A high military authority states that while there is much talk of the coming offensive, no definite indications bring it any nearer. The most satisfactory feature on t';e West front 15 our continued succoes in the air, which is of the utmost importance as a preliminary to any battle. Referring to air raids on London, he said that since the beginning of the year we had carried out 15 raids into Germany, all with definite results, as against Germany's five on England, two of which proved abortive. The latest instance of the enemy's propaganda is visible in Germany using great influence in Switzerland in connection with the protest against the use of poisonous gas. We are ready at any moment to relinquish it. WASHINGTON, February 22. Mr. N. D. Baker, Secretary for War, states that hitherto neither the Allies nor the Germans on the West front had more than 2500 battleplanes simultaneously available. Tho American aeroplanes were going to tho front four months earlier than had been expected.— (A. and N.Z. Cable.) "•

WHOLE OF ST. QUENTIN SALIENT TAKEN OVER.

FKENCH FORCES LIBERATED FOR SERVICE ELSEWHERE. (Received 9.35 a.m.) LONDON, February 22. The southern extremity of the British front is now opposite La Fere. The extension, which totals nearly twelve miles, includes the whole of the St. Bt. Quentin salient. It economises French man power, liberating considerable forces for service elsewheri'. The new sector has hitherto been a quiet part of the front. No Man's Land in some places is a thousand yards wide. — (A. and N.Z. Cable.)

MORE ATTACKS EXPECTED BETWEEN LILLE AND CAMBRAI.

I GERMAN SUPERIORITY TN NUMBERS. LONDON, February 22. ->Ir. J. I. MacPherson, Financial Secretary to the War Office, stated in I the House of Commons that, although the Allies were at present superior in I men and guns on the West front, the balance would soon favour the enemy, I owing to reinforcements from Russia. Already over twenty divisions had I been transferred. The nation must be prepared for a determined enemy j °"cnsive. The necessary measures had been taken. Complete confidence I Prevailed, and all ranks wore convinced they could hold their own. PARIS, February 22. The "Journal" states that it is believed that Cambr.ii will be one sector | of the German offensive. The British right flank at Cambrai is particularly { tempting. The "Echo de Paris" states that the German offensive will probably 1 b e between Lille and Cambrai, involving the engagement of from 60 to 80 j <*ivi s i 0 j, g> _(A. and N.Z. Cable.)