ENEMY PLANS UPSET.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 173, 22 July 1918, Page 6

ENEMY PLANS UPSET.

MAY STRIKE ON BRITISH FRONT. CROWN PRINCE'S DIFFICUXTIES INITIATIVE PASSED TO FRENCH LONDON, July 21. I Major-General F. B. Maurice expressed the opinion fchat General Mangin's attack upset the Crown IVince'e plans, and that the latter is in great difficulties. Evidently the Germans have the men to throw into the battle, and they are fighting hard. The Allies 'have already achieved great things, but we must avoid premature predictions of an enemy disaster. The vital point U Sois- I sons. The retention of the Montagne fie Paris seems certain. The Germans have had to discontinue their attaeke at this point. The Allied effort may also draw in the remainder of the Crown Prince's reserves, while the enemy, in i order to readjust his lines, may have to retire a considerable distance. Unless they are able to deprive the French of | their gains there id a chance this may ' ! prove a definite German defeat. The initiative has passed to the French. The ; whole German position between Soissons and Kheims is endangered. We have neutralised the Crown Prince's army, and he will 'have his work cut out to extricate himself from his present position. On the other hand, Prince Rupprecht's army group, between Montdidier and the Channel, possesses formidable reservee. Jt is probable that these will be used against the British front. It is not likely that the Germans will throw good money after bad. Therefore they will probably only use sufficient troops ; to prevent the situation from becoming ; a defeat, and throw their forces in else- I , where. The enemy failure in the ! j Champagne is likely to accelerate a blow ! ! between Montdidier and the sea. It cannot be said that anxiety is altoj gether ended —(A. and N.Z." Cable.)