THE ENEMY'S DEFENCE LINES

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 65, 13 September 1918, Page 7

THE ENEMY'S DEFENCE LINES

WEIGHT OF MEN WANTED TO BREAK THEM

GENERAL MAURICE OPPOSES THE EASTERN PROGRAMME .

(AUSTBALIAN-NEW ZEALAND CABLE ASSOCIATION.) LONDON, 12th September. General Maurice, in the Daily Chronicle, describing the German defences, «ays: "It is well known that the enemy has several lines between his existing front and the Bhine. He was enabled to construct these with the help of Russian prisoners and enforced Belgian and French civilian labour. The main German line may be regarded as the portion between Lille and Metz, which are the pivots of the various defensive systems. The defences of Lille were elaborated four years agS, and are now extremely formidable, covering Belgium as Metz covers Lorraine. The Germans do not intend to surrender Belgium unless they are compelled. They would rather yield French territory. The shortest line the enemy is able to hold without yielding Belgium runs through Lille, Valenciennes, Hirson, Mezieres, and Metz. This line was begun long ago, and covers the enemy's main railway communications from north to south. It is reported that other lines have been laid further to the east, and it is highly yvrobable that the enemy is working bard on these. He certainly mil not lack defensive lines if forced to abandon the Hindenburg line. This presents the Entente forces with a formidable task, but we have shown, especially at the Drocourt switch, that we are able to penetrate his lines without undue loss. It is as clear as daylight that lack of numbers alone prevented, Sir. Douglas Haig following up his victories of Bth August and 2nd September." General Maurice again deprecates Eastern enterprises, and adds : "Yet- this is the moment chosen to advocate an extension of these!" General Maurice concludes : "All we require to ensure victory is weight of numbers. We will certainly have the necessary numerical superiority eventually, but time will be lost unless our man-power policy is reviewed in the light of our military, coal mining, and shipbuilding requirements, and our utmost efforts concentrated on the West front." i ' „