THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16118, 24 January 1918, Page 7

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

ALL QUI ET. HEALTH OF THE TROOPS WONDERFUL. (By Ca'cic.—P:eiS Association. —Copyright.) and X.Z. Gabie Association.) LOXDOX. January l' 2. Mr Philip Ciibbs states: — ••The relief from the inc-essant iufsultry lighting is reflected in the eh'iU' drop in the casualties, and the splendid emptiness of hospital wards. Even "cases of sickness are not- heavy. Despite the weather, the health of tho troops is wonderful. J "Mudoy scarecrows from the enemy s •waterlogged trcnches tell miserable talcs of discomfort in the flooded dug-outs. There is a shortage of food owing to difficulty in getting supplies. "There is undoubtedly a relaxation from discipline in the German Army. Apparently the officers arc afraid to punish severely oven the gravest offence. It is noteworthy that- deserters are not shot, but sent back to prison. "The Gorman Higher Command is trying to build up a mighty bogy that masses aro coming from the East, hoping to demoralise tho Allies, who are 'unlikely to be deceived hy such, camouflage." Mr Gibbs's personal opinion is that there will he no great operations for at least a. month, whilo No Man s Land is flooded and the roads and trenches are bogs.