SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S MESSAGE TO HIS TROOPS.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume LXXVII, Issue LXXVII, 5 August 1918, Page 5

SIR DOUGLAS HAIG'S MESSAGE TO HIS TROOPS.

LONDON, Au<r USt 3. Sir Douglas Haig has issued an order to the tioops as follows:—The conclusion of tne fourth year of war marks the passing of che period of crisis. We now look with added eonadence to the future. .Russia's revolution set free large hostile forces from the Eastern front which were transferred to tlie V.'est. It was the enemy's intention to use the great numbers thus created to gain a decisive victory before the ' arrival of th« Americans should give the Allies a superiority. Tne enemy made an effort to obtain a decision on the Western front and failed. The steady stream of Americans arriving has already restored the balance. The enemy's first and most powerful blows fell on the British. His supsriority in men was three to one. Although pressed back in parts, .the British line remained unbroken. After many days of heroic nghniur. the glory of which will live for aIP time/ the enemy was held. At the end of four years' war the magnificent fighting qualities of our troops remain at the highest ordei. I thank them for their "devoted bravery and resolution. I know they v-jll slow like steadfastness and courage i»> whatever task they are called htmmi to |<r-form.—Aus.-N.Z. C.A. and Reuter. AMERICAN COMMENT. WASHINGTON, Aug. 3. The New York Times states et aerially that four years of -.var shows the Germans are baffled and defeated, falling back before General Foch's great strategy. The fifth year commences with the Germans on the defensive and the Crown Prince's army trying to extricate itself from a position of great peril. Lord Reading, interviewed, said thebeginning of the fifth year finds Britain stern and resolute. The spirit of the people has- not been finer, nor the confidence higher. The day of liberty is dawning, and a new era of peace will soon be open to the- world.—Aus.N.Z. Cable Assn.