AN ALLIED OBJECT ACHIEVED

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXII, 21 October 1916, Page 5

AN ALLIED OBJECT ACHIEVED

MAIN PURPOSE OP SOMME OF-

FENSIVE

TO RETAIN BULK OF GERMAN

ARMY ON THIS FRONT

(Received Oct. 21, 8.55 a.m.)

LONDON. Oct. 20.

The New York World's London correspondent interviewed Major Maurice, Director of Militaa*y Operations, who ©aid that #he main strategic purpose of the Allies' operations on the Somme was to retain the bulk of the German forces on this front, and, as five-eighths of the German army was there, this purpose had been achieved. The British, he added, .were now fighting for a jumping ofl place, from which to attack Bapaume, and while Bapaume and Peronne were not of first-class strategic value, their capture •would, be morally important.

Replying to a question, Major Maurice said there was no reason for lack of confidence in Roumania's ability to make an effective stand. Rouinania had e*hough men. and with good leadership, there was no ground for ■doubting their ability to do so.