VICTORS, BUT NOT HAPPY

Evening Post, Volume XCIV, Issue 48, 25 August 1917, Page 6

VICTORS, BUT NOT HAPPY

When the Central Powers broke through the eaatei'n containing wall—firstly, on the Rumanian front, secondly, on the Russian—they secured more elbow room, and their acquisition of new corn and oil country possibly placed them beyond the reach of a food or a petrol famine. But the raw materials of modem war are so many and so various that it is to be doubted whether the Russo-Bumanian gains have relieved the enemy in all departments; and it is therefore not surprising to read in to-day's messages that the immense German railway system ifi creaking, that there is a coal shortage, and that deprivations long suffered by the people are also affecting the efficiency of the army. This intimation will gain greater credence because of the authority behind it—that of the British Director of Military Operations. Talk of starving Germany is now seldom heard; but it is not undue optimism to expect that the immense consumption of metals and materials, by the war and the transport operations, is putting an increasing strain upon the enemy's resources. Had Germany, not been feeling somewhat ill, she would have taken more advantage than she did of the Russian collapses. Her failure to do "so suggests that she dreads further entanglements in the east at .a time when the western pressure is so relentless, and when even Italy, is celebrating the passing summer by the i moat determined blow yet delivered at the Austrianseast of the Isonzo. A few weeks ago the Kaiser was allowing the square jaw of Chancellor Michaelis to play, the lead. Now Foreign Minister Kuhlmann is 'put up in the Reichstag to speak words pf moderation, and to affirm the pre-eminence of right over might. Their twin performances prove that the Kaiser has selected his new advisers with a due regard for light and shade. Through one or the other he can react suitably to almost any passing diplomatic tendsncy, and can oroploy suavitw »n mode and fwtiter in re at his sweet will, I

It is likely that the Foreign Minister's amiable study of his enemy's " psychology " will before long be made the medium-of some interesting kite-flying, which will not be dangerous so long as the Entente peoples take it at its true value.