Untitled

Hokitika Guardian, 6 April 1918, Page 2

FRENCH OPERATIONS. LONDON, April 4. A French communique states that the artillery struggle became very intense during the nightimo in the region of Mont Didier.

We penetrated the enemy trenches at several points north-west of Rheims and on the left of the Meuse.

The enemy made raids east of Rheims at Avrecourt Wood, and north of St. Die, but were unsuccessful.

FRENCH REGAIN GROUND. LONDON, April 4. Tlie French has recovered high ground at Lassigny, after defeating a terrific German attack. german offensive decision. % A DIVIDED COUNCIL. t (United Service Telegrams). (Received, This Dav at 8.50. a.m.) ROME, April 5.

A Borne correspondent states the offensive was ordered recently hesitatingly. Long after the preparation was made, the War Council at Headquarters, debated whether to make a new peace offer, including the annunciation of Belgium concessions, and regarding Alsace, or to fight to a finish. General Hindcnburg guaranteed the success of the offensive, and won over one of a majority. When tlie Council ended, several showed much emotion. The Kaiser went to pray. Herr Hertling was very moody. Hindcnburg alone was unmoved.

Swiss reports state the Kaiser tried to disassociate himself from the decision until the initial success was won. He then told the soldiers: - “ This is my own battle.”

NEW ENEMY ATTACK. ON FRENCH POSITIONS. TaUSTBALIAN & N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION & BEUTEB.] LONDON, April 5. A French communique states that the battle resumed violently this morning north of Mont Didier still continues. The enemy launched enormous force.-, at the front 15 kilometres from Crives. nes to the north of Amiens, along the Roye road, revealing a determination to break through the front line at all costs.

BIG’ENEMY ATTACK. . WELLINGTON, This Dav. The High Commissioner reports from Loodon 3rd at 1.30. p.m. « French official—Enormous foroes of Germans attacked in the region, of Mont Didier. After making sanguinary sacrifices, the enemy succeeded in gaining two villages, the French retaining neighbouring heights. i __—.—:—

THRUST FOR AMIENS. THE ALLIES CONFIDENT. (Received This Dav at 10.15. « in.) t LONDON, April 5. The progress 'of the renewal of the German thriist for Amiens on a twelvemile front is awaited with confidence, owing to recent heavy Entente reinforcements to the battle area.' The heaviest blow fell on the French who parried an attack by well over one hundred thousand men j indicating tha* the Germans still have a great striking force at their command. *

Experts were surprised at the early resumption of the Kaiser’s battle, in view of the difficulties of bringing up heavy guns. It is generally agreed that the enemy is less advantageously situated than at the beginning of the first attack.