THE GERMANS NONPLUSSED.

Otago Witness, Issue 3212, 6 October 1915, Page 24

THE GERMANS NONPLUSSED.

PARIS, September 27. News of the resumption of the offensive has aroused the most intense interest. French communiques were shown at kinema theatres in all large towns last evening, with portraits of General Joffre and other generals. (Audiences sang the “ Marseillaise,” but the word “ victory” was not used, remembering that the conditions of modern warfare make decisive results

extremely difficult. It is generally recognised that General Joffre has ceased the “ nibbling” process. It is clear that the Neuve Chapelle, Beau Sejonr, and Les Eparges actions were eclipsed. The offensive is considered as being opportune, as the Germans are deeply committed to the invasion of Russia, where they are fighting on a 700-mile front, and it is the opening of the bad season. The Germans, expecting an attach, have been holding up boards at Flanders with the inscription : “ We are ready for you on the 20th.” But the Allies’ attack did not come on the 20th. The gunners distributed their favours so impartially that it was impossible to say .where the thrust would come. It is not true to suggest that the German morale had been destroyed. Their guns are numerous and too well concealed to be destroyed, though they suffered much through the bombardment. But the} were unable to guess at the real storm centre, and must have been sending reserves first to one centre and then to another. Now it seems certain that the main thrust will be in the Champagne, where there is open, undulating country without water-courses. If a wedge of the von Mackensen type can be driven, it may compel the Germans to retire upon the Sambre and the Meuse.