A SOLDIER'S FRANK OPINION.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXIV, Issue LXXIV, 3 August 1917, Page 8

A SOLDIER'S FRANK OPINION.

NOT ONLY A STRUGGLE OF

MILLIONS

BUT ALSO TEST OF RACIAL '

QUALITIES

CHARACTER THE DECIDING

FACTOR

BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT. (Received Aug. 3, 9.55 a.m.) >

LONDON, Aug. 2. ■' In an interview General Robertson, when asked to give a frank soldier's opinion on the progress of the wai\, replied : ' 'This tremendous contest is not confined to a struggle of armed millions, but is also a test of racial qualities. Even supposing it impossible to roll up the enemy's flanks, you can still break his heart and destroy nis people's confidence. Remembering Germany's readiness, compare our positions in 1914 and at the present. We now have armies of millions where formerly we had thousands. We no longer have our backs to the Germans, but we are driving them before us and taking positions they regarded as a matter of life or death: It is too early to say that the defensive in modern warfare is impregnable; if the army does not crack the nation behind it may crack. Considering the bel- j ligerents' respective numbers and resources, it is fair to conclude that the Allies, if steadfast and sound-hearted, can compel the Central Powers to submit sooner or later. Quality is going to win the war, character being the deciding factor. The Germans affect to despise America's intervention, but America's numbers and resources must play a prodigious and perhaps decisive part. When an unmilitaristic nation of such energy was forced in for the purpose of ensuring world safety for democracy it made the end of the war certain. America has begun splendidly, amd when she strikes her blows will bring despair to the hearts of the War Lords, who are already troubled lest their own people may find them out."