THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1918. THE ORDEAL OF THE ALLIES.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17328, 30 May 1918, Page 4

THE OTAGO DAILY TIMES THURSDAY, MAY 30, 1918. THE ORDEAL OF THE ALLIES.

The cable messages recording the progress of the battle on the western front are of absorbing interest. What now seems to be the third phase of the enemy's offensive is developing—though it would be rash to speculate as to the shape the development will take—and in the trying period of the first onset the news must be awaited with an anxiety that reflects the suspense engendered by the sullen menace of the last few weeks. A peculiar tensity attaches to the first stage of onslaughts stimulated by a motive-power so tremendous as that behind the enemy's gigantic effort to secure a victorious decision on the western front. The record of the fighting in the previous great offensive showed that almost invariably the weight of the initial onslaught bent the resistance backward till gradually the defence steadied itself and stood firm. We must expect to see the experience of the earlier assaults repeated to a greater or a less extent in the fresh battle that has been joined. In fact, it has already been repeated. Warning by the military experts that an enemy thrust on a great scale must inevitably yield initial gains has been justified since the fighting recommenced this week. So far the enemy's new assault has been mainly directed against the Aisne front, where, in a strenuous battle, the Germans have made a measure of progress which is not to be under-rated and which affords a proof of the vigour and determination of their attack. In the advance which they have been able to make their most important capture has been that of the heights of Chemin-des-Djimes, while there is a report that the loss by the French in prisoners is considerable, a report confirmed unfortunately by the German claims. The fact that the Germans have secured these early results does not necessarily mean that the momentum of the attack will enable them to progress much further. A semi-official French despatch offers reassurance in the statement that " while the Allied troops are contesting the' ground foot by foot our reserves are arriving and will prevent the enemy exploiting his first success and will hold him on the final line of resistance." Meanwhile, there is a good deal of speculation as to the true import of the German drive in this theatre, the ostensible objective of which is Paris. In more than one quarter the view is expressed that this attack is probably in the nature of a diversion, a preparatory effort, and that the main blow is yet impending. Sufficient for present contemplation is the material evidence of the formidable strength which Germany is throwing into what she probably intends shall be a final and decisive effort on the western front. The interval that has elapsed since March 21 has brought the crisis more perceptibly to a head. We are so much the nearer the point at which the enemy must either succeed or admit that success is beyond his reach. The German military party, which has to vindicate itself before the German people, is now more than ever upon its mettle. Only a resplendent and smashing victory can thoroughly justify its policy in the eyes of a nation which has endured the greatest suffering to gratify the lust of its leaders for conquest. The enemy, we are confident, is as far from the attainment of this result as ever, though so much nearer the deciding round of the combat. But the Allies are facing what promises to prove the grimmest of all the ordeals in which they have been tested. The crucial trial of strength upon, the result of which hang issues of supreme and unprecedented importance is even now at hand. To achieve victory, the enemy canaot be' content with local successes and territorial gains here and there, but must effect the attainment of his objectives. Anything less will mean his virtual defeat. Barring the way to the German goal are the splendid British and French armies, and the American armies . now being really tested for the first time, <md not until they are out-manoeuvred and out-fought will the road be clear to the enemy. Are the omens tmpropitious for us? It would be pusillanimity to think it. White we most be prepared for a tremendous energy and fury in the culminating stages of the enemy offensive, only in the quality of the recklessness of their

commandors should tho Germans, bo more dangerous now than they were when tliev moved to the attack with all the eagerness born of anticipation of a speedy victory. But what the resolute defenders of tho British front luivo done before we can feel confident they can do again. Yet the inspiration that must host steel them to their herculean task is tho knowledge that the nation, that every part of the Empire, is behind them in a sacred cause, fully realising its indebtedness to the men who are fighting its battles, fully realising tho gravity of the ordeal, and fully realising that every ounce of war-efTort that it can exert must be its contribution to an Allied victory. Have wo yet provided this inspiration in tho fullest manner possible? It is; a question for the individual as well as the community. If they can do no more, some there are who would do well to remember that pessimism and recrimination within our ranks are a source of weakness only to ourselves.