FIGHTING BETWEEN AISNE AND VESLE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 127, 29 May 1918, Page 5

FIGHTING BETWEEN AISNE AND VESLE.

FRENCH RESERVES ARRIVING ON THE SCENE. 1.10 pjn.) LONDON, May 2S. A French official report states that between the Aisnc and the Ves] c tbn tattle continues stnbborniy in the region of the plateaux, behind which our reserves are arriving. The Vesle flows through Rheims, thence westward in a course roughly parallel to the Aisne. at an average distance of about seven miles to Bazoche's and then north-west to the Aisnp. which it joins at Conde. All this country is of the defensible type, icing fairly high and well wooded, especially in iis eastern section. The plateaux referred to in the communique consist of a aeries of whale-backed hills about 800 ft high, intersected by gullies and being irregular in shape. They are well wooded, offering good cover to infantrymen and fine shelter for big gun positions. If the French decide to made a determined stand there the Germans should have a great deal of difficulty in continuing their advance until they outflank the higher ground, which will be no easy task while the French hpld the observation. However, there are other good positions in the rear, and Foch may decide to retire on them, thas giving the enemy the task of facing a well prepared and fully manned lino from an indifferent jumping-off place.