IN THE WEST

Dominion, Volume 11, Issue 73, 19 December 1917, Page 5

IN THE WEST

STIFFENING THE BRITISH LINE

TO MEET THE THREATENED BLOW SPIRIT OF QUIET . CONFIDENCE London, Decembor 17. Mr. Keith Murdoch, writing from Headquarters on the British front, states: "Tho stiffening of the troops for any possible onslaught by tho enemy is shown daily in the increasing concentrations. The British face tho enemy boasts of inflicting a decisivo drive with tho utmost confidence. Wo have enormous masses of artillery, and as we have every reason to have faith in the sticking power of our soldiers there may bo some surprises in store for the Boche. Also, it must be remembered that the great French Army was little used in 1917. It stands fresh and eager for battle. Everybody is ready and willing to accept Hindenburg's challenge. Whenever there is a favourable wind automatically-controlled balloons float over our lines dropping pamphlets and newspapers containing intimidating propaganda."—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.,

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S REPORT

London, December 17. Sir Douglas Haig states that there is nothing to report.—-Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.-Reuter. s London, December 18. Sir Douglas Haig reports:—"Raiding parties attaoked two posts in tho neighbourhood of the Ypres-Cominos Canal. We repulsed one attack. In the other the enemy entered iho post, and captured a few men. Wo counterattacked and tho post and the men, killing or taking prisoner a number of the enemy. A mutual artillery bombardment prevails on the remainder of the front. Heavy snow fell last night, and continued to-day." —Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn-Reuter.