THE COMING CONFLICT

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16152, 5 March 1918, Page 7

THE COMING CONFLICT

PRESENT ACTIVITY THE PRELUDE. (Reliter's Telegrams.) LONDON. March. 3. The German attacks on the French, positions, north of the Aisno and in the Champagne, arc extending, and now cover altogether 120 miles of front. They are regarded as the prelude to a big German offensive, which may come any day. The fact that the attacks are conducted chiefly at night suggests that they are intended to mask bigger preparations. It is not unlikely that the Champagne will be chosen for the German attempt to reach Paris, because the enemy will thus be able to reinforce his flanks against a British attack on the coast or a French attack through Alsace ENEMY ACTIVITY INCREASING. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received March 4th, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, March 3. The United Press Association's Headquarters correspondent says:— '•'Events are speeding up along .he "West front. Raiding and patrol activity has increased, and there have been s dozen raids on this front in the past 38 hours—some of them important enough to be called attacks. "Hindenburg is probing and testing everywhere, losing heavily, but apparently he does not worry about the loss of 50 or 60 men if the remnant returns with one or two samples of British troops. "The Germans are imitating the British, but they lack their dash and cunning. For example, before a .'ai.J against the Australians in Flanders 260 Germans, including nino officers, rehearsed many times against counterpart positions, yet they left 21 dead on our wire, including their commander, without penetrating at any point." OPINION IN FRANCE. (Router's Telegrams.) (Received March 4th, 7 p.m.) PARIS, March 3. A semi-official report states:— "The German offensive actions, despite their violence, amount only to vast reconnoitring operations aloi',4 the whole front. Both sides were never more vigilant, but it is premature to conclude that these engagements rro the prelude of an imminent offensive." GERMANS MAY BE FORESTALLED. (United Service.) (Roceived March 4th, 7.15 p.m.) LONDON, March 3. The "Daily Mail's" Paris corro-1 spondent states: — j "If the present spasmodic opc-ra-! tions are the preludo to a grand attack the enemy is being badly served by the •weather. Sleet and snow have fallen since Friday. A continuance of the present weather conditions will prevent the enemy manoeuvring his heavy artillery. "Given fair, conditions it is considered that the coming operations arc as likely to consist of a defensive battle delivered by the Allies as a German offensive." OFFENSIVE MAY BE ! POSTPONED. j (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) NEW YORK. March 3. ; The United Press Hague correspondent has learned authoritatively that the German Liberals and Socialists are trying to convince General Ludendorix to postpone the West front offensive until President Wilson's answer to Count von Hertling shows whether it is necessary.