DEFINITE FAILURE PROBABLE

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 16, 18 July 1918, Page 8

DEFINITE FAILURE PROBABLE

ALLIES POSITION MUCH

IMPROVED

GENERAL MAURICE'S COMMENT.

UJNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION.—COPIRIOHT.)

(AUSTRALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.)

(Received July 18, 1 p.m.)

LONDON, 17th July

General. Maurice writes in the Morning Post: "Nothing is more difficult than to restore momentum after an attack is checked. Therefore, as the enemy's gains on either side of Dormans, where he was most successful, have not been materially extsnded since Monday, there is good gVound for hoping that the battle is destined to end in a definite failure. The forces-which the Germans have thrown in are estimated at thirty divisions, eighteen of which would normally hold the front, making twelve divisions taken from the reserve. If this is correct, the enemy can still employ large forces. It is therefore unwise to assume that all danger is over; but the check will have a depressing effect on the German troops and nation. It has made the Allies' position more favourable than it has been ,at any time since-the first offensive in March.

"It is quite evident from the tone of the German evening communique that Hindenburg has failed to realise what he set out to get in this latest offensive. There is none of the bombast which has hitherto heralded a German victory. It is too early to say. that the effort south-west of Reims has been brought to a standstill, but it cannot be dangerous without support on the plains of Champagne. A noteworthy feature is the appearance of yon Mudras's army east of Reims. Yon Mudras may have ■succeeded Fritz yon Below, who was in command of "the army between those of yon Einim and yon Boehm; or his may be a new army specially formed for this battle, and showing the special importance attached to this offensive."