Progress of the War.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 16314, 11 September 1918, Page 6

Progress of the War.

Tho operations on the Western Front, although they have slowed down very much, are by no means at a standstill. From the Lys sector nothing very important is reported, but the enemy is evidently in some strength opposito La Bassce. The movement towards Cambrai continues slowly, but the British and Australian armies are methodically establishing themselves in the wooded areas of Havrincourt and Gouzeaucourt. The most, substantial movement recorded is that by tho French armies operating between St. Quentin and the Oise. The Canal has been crossed about four miles south-west of St. Quentin, and the lino runs from the point of crossing almost due south towards La Fere, which is threatened from tho south at Servais. It is this thrust at Le Fere from which the best results can be expected, for the enemy is at his strongest between Le Fere and the Ailette, east of the line to Coucy. Foch's strategy has been so fine since his blow on the Marne shook tho stability of the German line as far as Flanders, that we may feel certain that he has his plans to meet the possibility of a determined German stand on the Chemin des Dames line. Ho cannot safely push his line further east between St. Quentin and La Fere

without a co-ordinating movement of Haig's forces on the French left. There are renewed rumours of serious political changes in Germany, and Dr. Solf, Herr Erzberger, and even Scheidemann are spoken of as likely successors to Count Hertling. This time a change in the Chancellorship will really have some significance. Tho position in European Russia becomes increasingly dreadful, and, although accurate information is difficult to obtain, there is only too much reason to believe that tho Bolsheviks' reign of terror is approaching a fearful climax. , |