THE COAST OF BELGIUM.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16696, 14 November 1917, Page 6

THE COAST OF BELGIUM.

The strategic value of the advance in Flanders is continually emphasised by the attitude of the German leaders towards the operations which have been conducted with such consistent success during the past three and a-half months. The importance of the British gains cannot be measured in terms of territory alone, though a substantial area has in fact been recovered. Their purpose has been the conquest of the ridges which overlook the Flanders plain, and so nearly has Sir Douglas Haig approached the accomplishment of that objective that the Germans are now forced to consider the consequences which will follow when he commences to exploit his advantages and the British armies are in a position to debouch upon the plain. As the battle for the last ridge protecting Roulers approaches its climax, the enemy has redoubled his efforts to check the British advance. To Germany it is-clear that the struggle will decide the fate of the submarine and the aviation bases on the Belgian coast, the possession of which is declared by Admiral von Tirpitz to be absolutely necessary for future attack on England. The prospect of a withdrawal from Flanders has been openly discussed -by the leading German papers. Thus the Voßsische Zeitung declares that " a base in j Flanders would enable England to ! annihilate with her air squadrons the i whole of our industrial basin! and

to drive Germany completely from the seas. German industry would be at her mercy. We must hold our positions between the sea and the Lys, or we shall lose the war entirely. The fate of Germany is now being decided in Flanders." Another ! point of view was recently expressed by Colonel Gadke in Vorwarts when he declared: " The occupation of Ostend and Zeebrugge by the English army would cause impressions throughout the world which would perhaps have the most far-reaching political consequences." The British "wedge" is being steadily driven into the German line, the enemy's situation is daily becoming more precarious, and the possibility of securing Flanders and the Belgian coast more certain.