NOTES ON THE WAR CABLES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17088, 21 August 1917, Page 6

NOTES ON THE WAR CABLES.

By Shrapnel.

GERMANY'S SHACKLED PRESS. German newspapers generally condemn the Papal Note as inconsonant with Germany's interest. • Naturally so. They would not condemn it if it had not fallen flat everywhere outsido Germany and Austria. All tho papers in Germany are oflioially controlled, and the unanimity of their disapproval of the Note may be regarded as an official intimation from Germany, designed not only to hide the disappointment of tho manufacturers of public opinion in that country, but also to hide the hand of Germany in tho business. Hence the hypocritical condemnation of tho noto. What Germany and Austria want is an armistice to admit of negotiations being opened and prolonged so as to produce war staleness.

Tho Gorman Avar psychologists understand that in tho countries opposed to Germany there are for-seoing men and women who know that tho only good basis of peace for the future lios in tho complete defeat of Germany, and that the spirit favourable to the continuance- of war is maintained by the tension kept alive by war work, war news, and tho progress of events. In the case of tho British people that tension is broken neither by disasters nor victories, but if that tension or strain were suspended for a time the will of tho nation would bo in danger ol going to pieces, while tho international pacifists would arise and flourish, for an armistice would be their hour of triumph. Germany is, mole like, working underground to avoid the defeat which is now from day t,o day becoming moro and more inevitable. Mr D. Thomas Curtin, an American correspondent, who has exposed in British and American papers and in his own book the workings of the very able ?nd well schooled directors of tho German Press Bureau, describes the attempts of American correspondents m Germany to practise independent journalism. Ho says, "It was a difficult and hopeless struggle. They wero shackled and controlled from one end of the week to the other. They conld not, if they wished, send the unadorned truth to America. All they are permitted to send is that portion of the truth which reflects Germany in the light in which it is useful foe Germany to appear from time to time. For neutrals Germany has, organised news ir. a most intricate fashion." The cables this morning exhibit the light in which Germany wishes to appear from "time to time." Whether the Papal See realises it or not, it is being used a= a tool by Germany, to cut the chance of victory from the Allies, and those who know tlia political oarties in Austria can understand how that is managed. The authorities in Germany must imagine that the guns of the Allies are sounding the death knell of Pan-Germanism and all it implies.

THE ATTEMPT TO HOLD LENS.

Fifteen heavy and sustained German counter-attacks on the positions taken by ' the Canadians north of Lens show how important is the blow that has been so viotdriously struck by tho troops from that dominion. These attacks indicate that the position of Lens is hopeleas while the Canadians hold Hill 70, Bois Hugo, and Cite St. Emilie, and now, since tho German attacks have failed, with heavy losses, their hold on the town will have been further weakened. Another advance by tho British of one mile either northward of Lens or north-eastward of Avion, on the south, will oompel the Germans hurriedly to abandon Lens. It will not be very surprising to hear soon of another push by the British on the southern side, or of the evacuation of the town by the enemy. These attacks look as if they were desperate attempts to save the position. DIVERSIONS BY BOTH SIDES. In a small way, both on the part of the British and on that of tho Germans, active operations have been shifted from the heavy fighting sectors. The British havo been active between St. Quentin and Havrincourt. At Epehy, about half-way between the-two. points mentioned, the British have oaptured the Gentian trenches at Gillemont Farm, to the south-east of tho village. South-west of Havrincourt they havo raided the enemy's trenches, inflicting heavy casualties. These attacks suggest that Sir Douglas Haig has a thorough measure of tho strength of tho Germans all along his front, and exemplify his ability and methods of "keeping tho Germans guessing." On their part tho Germans are showing some activity on tho long-quiet sectors—quiet since 1915—0n tho Lorraine border, south of the St. Mihiel salient. Tho German Staff is either trying to find out the French strength on that sector or is attempting to draw off French troops from tho Aisne-Champagne-Verdun sectors. Nothing much will oome of this attempt. The German Staff has its hands very full on the British front.