THE WESTERN THEATRE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16147, 27 February 1918, Page 7

THE WESTERN THEATRE.

THE COMING CONFLICT. TREMENDOUS ENEMY PREPARATIONS. (By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright.) '"The Time®.") LONDON, February 25. Mr Perry Robinson writes:— "Indications of an early offensive include reports that all Germans on furlough have been ordered to return not later than February 28th, and that thereafter no leave shall be granted for three months. The reports may be a form of camouflage, but the soldiers themselves believe them. In the meantime tremendous enemy preparations are going on." PREPARING THE GERMAN PEOPLE. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received February 26th, 7.40 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, February 25. 1 The German war Press is beginning an inspired campaign, in order to prepare the public for fresh sacrifices on tba Western front. The Army Command is evidently fearful of the depressing effect that the coming operations may have on the country, and particularly stresses the argumont that the enemy must bear the guilt for the terrible things which will result from their refusal to enter into peace negotiations. Tho "Vossische Zeitung" says:— "A most monstrous, terrible thing is awaiting the Continent. Never in the history of the world will the memory of this terrible February be effaced. We | stand before the tragic alternatives of I victory or decline. Our best blood must flow, and Bitterness and pain enter into the German homes, but we aro sure of victory." ENEMY GUNS ACTIVE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reut-er's Telegrams.) LONDON, February 25. Sir Douglas Haig reports:— "There has been artijlery activity south-westward of Cambrai, and in the Messines sector." BRITISH AVTATORiS ACTIVE. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Reuter's Telegrams.) v (Received February 26th. 7.40 p.m.) LONDON, February 25. Sir Douglas Haig reports: — "Hostile artillery is active, particularly along the Souchez river. "We bombed throe aorodromes in tho Lys Valley. All our machines returned." SUCCESSFUL AMERICAN RAIP. (Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) (Received February 26th, 5.5 p.m.) PARIS, February 25. The Americans raided tho German trenches, and captured 22 prisoners and a machine-gun. BOMBARDMENT OF FRENCH LINES. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Asaociation.) (Router's Telegrams.) (Received February 26th, 9.55 p.m.) LONDON, February 25. A French communique states: — j "Tho artillery duel continues extremely lively in the region of Tahuro t in the Champagne, and on the sectors north and south of Dollar, in Upper Alsace."