THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16207, 9 May 1918, Page 7

THE GREAT OFFENSIVE.

BIG GUNS ACTIVE

NO INFANTRY MOVEMENT

(By Cable.—Prco3 Association.— Copyright J (Australian and X.Z. Cable Association.) tKeutc: s Telegrams.) (Received May Bth, 11.40 p.m.)

LONDON. May T

Sir Douglas llaig reports:*— •'Bath sides' artilleries arc active north of the Lys and the Sopttue. "There is no activity elsewhere." A French communique reports reciprocal artillery activity north and south of tlie Lys. Minor operations were carried out west of Hangard. {Received May 9th. 1.15 a.m.) • LONDON, May 8. A French communique states: — '"There is marked reciprocal artillery activity at Yillers-Bretonneux. "Four enemv aeroplanes wore brought down and 10 fell damaged behind their

own lines. "Wo bombed railway stations at Flaville, Martcl, Ham, Guiscatxl, and Novon."

WHAT THE GERMANS SAY

Admiralty per Wireless Press.

(.Received Mav Stli, 11.40 ji.m.) LONDON, May 7. A German official report states: — "English advances on the north bank of the Lys failed.

"The enemy employed Australians for » night attack between the Ancre and the Soinmo and succceded in reaching out foremost lino on both sides of tho Corbie-Bray road; otherwise their twice repeated attack broko down heavily before our posts. "Artillorv. firing continued hero with the greatest intensity, being heaviest at daybreak.

"Our storming detachments south of Brimont brought back prisoners."

THE AMERICANS

IUG ATTACK REPULSED

(Australian mid X.Z. ( Cablo Association.) (Recojvcd Mnv Bth, 5.5 pan.) NEW YORK. May 7. American Headquarters reports that the Germans, using gas, heavily attacked tho Americans in l'icardy. Tho attack was preceded by a bombardment of 15,000 mustard shells. Tho attack was completely repulsed, the Americans returning blow for blow. Tho New York newspapers feature the Australian advanco with cross-page headlines. They pay tributes to tho Australians' dash and courage. (Received May Bth, 5.5 pjn.) WASHINGTON, May 7. General Bell in a speech said many must be conquered. Nothing but the Germans' unconditional surrender will convict tho Teutons of their unfitness to dominate the world. Germany must ask for mercy on her knees." (Australian and N. 2. Cable Association.) (Received May 9th, 12.10 a.m.) WASHINGTON, May 7. The House of Representatives passed tho Sedition Bill, providing a punishment of 20 years' imprisonment and a fine of 10,000 dollars for persons found guilty of disloyal actions or utterances.

Tho American production of machineguns is now 600 daily. It is expected that it will reach a maximum of 1500 daily in November.

(Received May 9th, 12.10 a.m.)

BERNE, May 7

The Government has received an American Note saying that America challenges the German grain blockade of Switzerland.

SIDELIGHTS 01* THE OFFENSIVE.

(Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association.) LONDON, May 7. The British casualties for. the past week were 38,000. OTTAWA, May 7. Canadian Headquarters reports that the Canadian Army has taken over tlirea more miles of front in tho vicinity of Neuvillo-Vitasse, Mercatol, Boisleau, and Saint Mare. NEW YORK, May 7. Tho "New York World's" Washington correspondent says that an American scientist has invented a bullet capable of piercing the armour used) on the Gorman tanks.

Quantities -will bo manufactured