GERMAN ARMY THINKS ONLY OF PEACE.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 245, 14 October 1918, Page 5

GERMAN ARMY THINKS ONLY OF PEACE.

TERRORS OF RETREAT WITH ENEMY ON HEELS,

'.. (Received 10.45 a.m.) \j LONDON, October 13. Mr. Tliilip Gibbs states that airmen report that the roads south-eastward of Le Gateau are surging with trailic and transport struggling to get clear of the British advance amid streams of deported French civilians. Frequently •the crossroads are blocked, and confusion and disorder reign. Some of our aviators are doing their best to increase the confusion and the fears of the retreating army. The Germans, for tlio first time in this war, know the terrors of the retreat with the eyemy hard on their hcelß. That terror will be with them to the end. The have gone after them, to the amazement of the villagers. The enemy hoped to make the roads impassable, but wo were too quick, and he was unable to mine the crossroads according to plan. It must not be forgotten that we are paying the price of victory. Our patrols still face machine-guns and field guns, run deadly risks, and suffer frightful fatigues. AYe must not forget the splendid sacrifice of the officers and men, trudging through shells and bullets towards victory. Yet the Germans have the spirit of defeat, and think only of peace. The Kaiser' 3 offer has thrown them off their mental balance, and demoralisation has grown. (A. and N.Z. Cable.)