WESTERN THEATRE.

Grey River Argus, 3 February 1917, Page 5

WESTERN THEATRE.

-^ — — official reports n.z. battalion's good work :d enemy attacks repulsed (Rec. February 2. 10.115 p.m.) . LONDON. February 2. Field Marshal §ir Douglas Haig re o- ports: We have improved aur positio is- northward of Beaumont Hamel. W lie carried out a successful raid south es eastward of Neuville St Vaast and r£ c- pulsed attempts to approach, our line v q south-eastward of Armentieres am v- eastward ot Ypres. Two other attack in the neighbourhood of Wytschaet by strong parties dressed in whiti Acre beaten back with heavy losse: The enemy's artillery is more activi southward of Ypres. The British took prisoner 1228 Ger _ mans including twenty-seven officer; 15 during January. Among the regiments specially dis tinguishing themselves was tli( second battalion of the Third New Zea land Rifle Brigade. A French communique states : There ie *s nothing to report except a liveb - l " irtillery due lat Hartmannsweilerkop s- tnd east of Metzeral. is ■ ■ 'p GIGANTTC CLASH PENDING n 'o ANGLO-FRENCH FULLY „ 1 PREPARED . *" "WE HAVE EVERYTHING WE N£ED^' (Australian and N.Z. Cable Assn.) r LONDON. February T . The activity o*"the Anglo-Ftcn~h front is increasing. Pending a gig'iitic clash of arms, the mighty armies are taking each other's measure. .French critics, who fully expect the s 10 1 7 campaign to end the war. intert pretate the German attacks on tne 30th as not only feelers whereby the German Staff were seeking to discover the well-kept secret of the Allies' plans, but as a prelude to "a German offensive. The Anglo-Frerich staffs are fully prepared" to cope with any German effort. , General Rawlinson. who discussed a , possible German offensive, said: "We have everything we need. If the Germans care to lose a few hundred thousand for no purpose we have no oblection." Major Deciorieaus. writing to the Matin points out that tlie mobility of the large Anglo-French heavy artillery reserves is assured by railway and motor traction, enabling a crushing surprise offensive directed against the enemy while he is engaged in another sector. The Allies will not be content with a defensive and will thus ebsorb the enemy's effort and exhaust his effectives. MOST SERIOUS PERIOD ABOUT TO BEGIN JMNDENBURG AT BRUSSELS AMSTERDAM. February 1. General von Hindenburg is expected at irussels to-day, en route to Ghent and Flanders. Dr von Bethmann Holhveg and HenZimmermann returned to Berlin from headquarters after ' lengthily debating the policy on land and sea. " Ihe Telegraaf" declares that the most serious and decisive period in the war is about to begin