Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1917. AMERICA AND THE ALLIES.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLII, Issue 1012, 3 November 1917, Page 4

Manawatu Evening Standard. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 1917. AMERICA AND THE ALLIES.

Since America became a partner of the Allies in the war against Germany, (he enemy has been receiving more information concerning the plans of his adversaries than ho did during the whole of (lie three years preceding the entry of the United States into the war. Wo chafed somewhat under the rigid censorship imposed by the AngloFrench command, but, looking back over the events that have taken place during the three years of lighting, it ha s to be admitted tba.t the policy of secrecy was the eight one, and that America is really playing into the hands of the enemy by so readily announcing the intentions of the Allied command, and what, she herself purposes doing. No other nation has developed the ait of self-advertisement to the same extent a„ our American cousins have done, ami, ivldle America lias made many valuable contributions to the Allied cause, both before null since she declared war upon Germany, and we are, or should be, correspondingly grateful for her help, she lias not failed to let the world know what she is doing. In (jds way she has imparled valuable information Ur the Central Rowers-information l hat has enabled the latter to prepare in advance against tlie American campaign, both on him! and in the air. and to even anticipate the offensive on which America pro post's to embark next spring. »» *■' ar( ' getting more news of the war from New Volk and Washington than we have ever done before, hut unfortunately the news that is cabled to its from those American cities also linds its way into Germany, which is. consequently, well advised ot the moves the Allies propose to take against her. A characteristic item telegraphed on Wednesday from Washington informed us that General Cadornu was conducting a masterly retreat, and that he was in Lopes of executing a think movement, which would have the effect,of saving.a considerable- extent of territory from tailing into the enemv’s hands. As we got that news, it is certain that the Germans got it also, and thov are thus in a position to check-mate the plans? General Cadorna may have m=i«. liv advertising their belief thgt the war would be won in the air, and their intention of putting thousands of aeroplanes and airships into tWmmiission against Germany,

they have also put the enemy on his guard, and, as a consequence, we hear that the Germans are building great fleets of giant aeroplane's to meet and destroy (if possible) the American squadrons. A task that looks very easy on paper thus becomes one of great difficulty, because the enemy is not lacking in either initiative or resource, and he is certain to be well prepared against such an offensive, consequently, the element, of surprise being lacking, the results are almost' certain to be disappointing. Tncn, again, the further statement that came from Washington on Thursday in regard to post-war truth' as between the Allies and Germany will go a long way towards heartening the Germans, who are even more fearful of the economic boycott than they are of actual defeat in the war itself. If Germany can only regain her pre-war trade, slit' will make good her war losses in time, and become once again tin* dangerous adversary slit' has always been to France, Russia, anti Britain, by sapping their trade and manufactures, ft is a pity someone cannot give the American authon. lies a hint (hat ii they arc to help win the war-and they can no more do ii by themselves than could France or Russia (hey must remember that it is fatal to any cause, of which the opposing forces are of such an enormous extent as in (his war to disclose plans of a coining, or. indeed, of any offensive. Unless American pressmen and politicians keep a funnel upon their pens and their tongues, we may have cause to regret, that the United States over decided to join in the. war. We cannot afford to Jet the enemy know whore, cr when, wo intend to strike. Mho real art of war is to maintain a vigorous offensive, and to keep the enemy guessing—and inaccurately at that- what ii is intended to do next.