LARGE FORCE HELD FOR COUNTER-ATTACK.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 74, 27 March 1918, Page 5

LARGE FORCE HELD FOR COUNTER-ATTACK.

ONLY 27 DIVISIONS USED AGAINST 97 GERMAN. GERMANS FIiACEP AT DISADVANTAGE BY KAPID WITEDBAWAI. ■ Oif'i (Eeceived 10.10 a.m.) ■ ■'•-—.* WAEEONGTasr, March 26. British officials state that Sir Douglas Haig is using only twenty-seven divisions against the Germans' ninety-«even, the British Coinmander-in-Cluef holding a large force for the counter-offensive. The New York "Tribune's" London correspondent interviewed a high authority, who said that the rapid British withdrawal placed the Germans at a disadvantage, compelling them to march beyond their supplies. He expects that the British and French will make a counter-drive in another sector. The New York '-Times" characterises the Btruggle ac the greatest battle of the war. The Germans are indifferent to the sacrifice of life, but America is confident that the British will check the drive successfully and will counterattack. The 2few Tork "Tribune" says that the one great fact to remember is that Sir Douglas Haig has retained his organisation, and still presents an unbrokej* fronit to the enemy. -America follows every move of the great offensive with the. tensest interest. Extra editions of the newspapers are rapidly bought up, and tha first feeling of excitement has been replaced by growing confidence. The newspapers do not deny the seriousness of the situation., but are confident that Britain's line will not be broken. Officials in Washington point out that the offensive will result in almost unbelievable speeding Up of America's preparations. It will stop useless debates in Congress, and will unite America in throwing every resource iato the struggle. It is realised that America's aid will be one of the most important factors for success. Mr. Henry Ford urges America to meet the German offensive by mobilising all United States machinery, and producing small tanks at the rate of 2000 a. day. ■ A high British officer says that the British have a strong reserve trench eystem 15 miles behind the lines. General McLachhin, of the British military mission, states that tlm first phase of the battle is over and the situation has improved considerably. General McLaehlan states that Germany's immediate objective is Amiens, ,with open warfare thereafter. So long as the British line remains unbroken the Germans must fail in this objective.—<A. and N.Z. Cable.) Much interest is taken in the report that Americans participated in the big battle, but no confirmation of the news has been received in Washington. ..The New York "World's" Paris correspondent emphasises the splendid confidence of the French people. He says that he learns that 1,160,000 Germans were engaged in the drive. Official advices from Paris state that the offensive is continuing on the Croieilles sector, the Germans using nine divisions. Their losses were very heavy, the British resistance being efficient. The Germans claim that American troops are being used to reinforce the British, M. Clemcnceau cabled the French Embassy:—"The Allies are absolutely confident. We will not sheathe the sword until it has exacted full and complete reparation from Germany." President Wilson has cabled to Sir Douglas Haig:—"l wish to express warm admiration of the steadfastness and valour with which British troops withstood the German onset, and the perfect confidence that all Americans feel that you will win a secure and final victory." New York Stock Exchange small declines later showed a recovery.—(A. and K.Z. Cable.)