THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1918. THE GERMAN ATTACK.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17327, 29 May 1918, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES WEDNESDAY, MAY 29, 1918. THE GERMAN ATTACK.

The thunder of the guns has commenced again in grim earnest on the western front. The operations of Monday morning last have been interpreted as a signal that the third phase of the enemy's great offensive has begun. The official news is so far, however, brief and devoid of details. It records the development on Monday morning of strong hostile attacks, preceded by an intense bombardment, on wide fronts against the British and French between Rheims and Soissons, a distance of between thirty and forty miles. This is a new point of attack, and the position of Paris in relation to the extremes of the front against which the Germans' operations are directed enables us readily to appreciate the suggestion that the enemy is driving towards the French capital. Contend poraueously with their effort on the Aisne sector the Germans have begun a powerful local thrust in Flanders, apparently aimed at the recovery of ground which was lost by them after the previous phase of the offensive was checked • while further north again, in close vicinity to the coast, the Belgian advanced positions have been assailed. It may be premature to conclude that these attacks are ushering in an immediate renewal by Germany of an offensive on the vastest and most furious scale of which she is capable. The indications, however are significant. There has been a decided break in the lull, unexpectedly prolonged, which was generally construed as marking the enemy's preparation for a fresh onslaught. The attack is, indeed, overdue if the Germans have been calculating upon making their supreme effort beforo a heavy force of American troops is available for the firing line. But the " high military authority," whose comments upon the operations in the war theatres are transmitted to the dominions by the Secretary of State for the Colonies, expresses the opinion that tne enemy's preparations for a fresh attack have been too ■hastily completed. The inference which we are invited to draw in consequence is that the present onslaught has been dictated by political and economic, rather than by purely military, considerations. If this be a correct inference, we should bo rash in assuming that the attack which was opened on Monday last is the last great attempt on the part of the enomy to overcome the French and British armiofl, or one of them.

President Wileon has not hesitated, however, to announco to Congress that the expected enemy assault has begun. The sequel must shortly demonstrate what is afoot and what is the present nature of the ordeal which is confronting tho Allies. While tho Germans have taken timo in gathering themselves together for a renewal of their offensive on tho grand sealo, tho interval of quiet has heen advantageous to tho Allies. In tho last pliaso of her offensive, whether it ho that which has now been opened or some other which will succeed it, Germany is likely to be most dangerous, for sho will stake everything on a final bid for victory. In the fighting of the past two days tho Germans, by dint of the pressuro of their attack, appear to have made gains at certain points. The Allied forces have, it would seem, been pressed back to a lino of prepared positions in some sectors, but it is reported that their withdrawal has been orderly and methodical and that they have inflicted heavy losses on the' enemy. There is nothing to excite apprehension in the fact that tho Germans have been able to advance their lino to some extent. As General Maurice has observed, it would bo contrary to experience if they did not do so. In the meantime we aro assured that tho Allies are full of confidence, and well prepared for all eventualities. This assurance was to be anticipated, and wo know that it is no empty formula. But it is not sufficient for the peoples of our Empire and of tho Allied nations to draw confidence from the tried valour of their gallant troops. Their duty it is to throw all their weight into this battle in a spirit emulating tho storn determination and self-sacrifice of men who are offering their lives so freely for the cause of liberty. Confidence in victory must be backed by a national effort on the part of Great Britain and her Allies that will prove irresistible and place the issue beyond all doubt. Never did the situation more urgently demand a concentration of Allied energy for the sole purpose of winning the war. President Wilson's address to Congress embodies a solemn and timely reminder—"We are not only in tho midst of a war, but at the very peak of a crisis."