EXPECTED AT ANY MOMENT

Evening Post, Volume XCV, Issue 44, 20 February 1918, Page 7

EXPECTED AT ANY MOMENT

1 • ■ ■ ■ - ■ ■ • '

MOST COLOSSAL OF BATTLES

'GREAT NERVOUS TENSION BEHIND THE

LINES

FBI TE£EGBA?H.—tNITED PBESS ASSOCIATION. —COFTRIOHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) (Received February 20, 8.30 a.m.)

LONDON/19th February.

Mr. Philip Gibbs writes : At any moment we may see the beginning of the enemy's last desperate effort to end the war by a decisive victory. Undoubtedly the offensive which the Germans have long been preparing is now imminent. Detailed information from prisoners leaves no doubt about- the matter. Our aviators for some time past have reported terrific industry and nervious tension behind the, German lines, All leave has been stopped for German officers and, men. The Germans are drugged under the spell of a frightful secret hope. Germany to-day is a nation with the bloodshot eyes and the high temperature of fever, buoyed up to its last resistance against a despair that is eating into its heart. Our men will not fail, whatever the cost.

The United Press correspondent states that civilisation is on the threshold of the most colossal battle of all time. A German offensive is expected momentarily. The Germans for the first time will uss tanks, some like the British, equipped with mortars, and others with machine guns and 3 speed of almost four miles an hour. They will probably attempt ib smash the British between Arras and St. Quentin, and to deliver simultaneous blows elsewhere. Trench mortars will be directed on our entanglements, arid from the support trenches guns will play on the battery positions, roads, railways,. and suspected concentration points and approaches. A heavy percen't^e of gsis shells will be used everywhere against the troops, and. endless wa-ves of infantry will follow like cattle through holes,- in the hope thus to tear a way in. The German officers are telling thfe men the wildest stories' of the infallibility of the scheme, but, according to the prisoners/ the nien are' doubtful.

(Eeceived February 20, 8.30 a.m.)

• LONDON, i9th February. The German offensive on the West front is expected immediately. The enemy will use tajiks and, new gases'.