GERMAN REPORTS.

Otago Witness, Issue 3352, 12 June 1918, Page 16

GERMAN REPORTS.

German official reports state: The enemy captured small trench sectors south-west of Marris. We captured after a hard fight a few trenches north of the Aisne, and w<? took heights at Vauxbuin and west of Chaudun. We stormed Peri.ant and Missvlabcis, driving the enemv hack. On the Le Soulicr-Dnmmiers line s"veral batteries were captured, and a few thousind prisoners were captured. French counter-attacks astride the Ourcq failed. Wo drove ihe enemy back towards Mouhns-sous-Touvent, St. Ohristophe, and Vingre (Oise-Aisne angle). We captured Chaudin (south-west of Soissons) and pushed across the Savic.res territory as far as the eastern border of Villers Ootteret? woods. Wo renuleed v'olent counter-attacks southward of' the Ourcq,- and captured Bel : ii, also the heights westward of Chateau Thierry. Fresh French units have entered the battle in order to rolieve the French Jind British army corps which we cut up. There is. no change between the Marne and Rheims Our ~ aeroplanes tombed enemy railways to the battlefield. The pr,omy made strong advances at several noints. We threw die enemy hack towards Arnblenv Cutry. We captured positions northward of Dommiers. We have captured pince May 27 55.C00 prisoners (including 1500 officers), 65 gun-, and 2000 machine cfuns. We advanced westward of Kemmel and captured linos astride the Andre, south-eastward of Saroy. taking 300 prisoners. "Renewed enemy attacks north-west of Chateau Thierry (on the Marno) and on the Avro (Amiens sod tor) only brought them un ; mportant gains of territory. Westward of the Oise we captured Gury Height and the adjoining linos. THE KAISER ON THE BATTLEFIELD. The Kaiser, on the Ist, accompanied by von Hindenburg, visited the conquered regions north of the Maine. Standing amid the ruins of a French village, the Kaiser said: " Whenever I see these horrors of war which have rendered 'thousands homeless and changed prosperous regions into awful deserts, 1 cannot help thinking with grief what scrrovv France might have spared herself if she had not rejected my peace offer of December, 1916." The Kaiser then visited the Soissons battlefront, and returned 'to headquarters via Fiemes.

THE RECENT FIGHTING. HEAVY GERMAN LOSSES. Troesnes "was retaken by a, counterattack. A new German division was identified in this Jignting, having relieved the Guards Division, wnich suffered heavily in the opening days of the battle. South of the Ourcq, the village of Passy-en-Valois, on Hill 163, taken by the Germans early in the morning, was recaptured later in the day. On the whole the enemy have nothing to show for their day's work on the 2nd on the western front. The German line round Rheims, beginning at St. Leonards, on the Aisne-Marnc Canal, 'three miles south-east of the city, passes through Betheny to north of Troisfontaines to the north-west, thence south-west between the suburbs of St. Brxe and the main town to La Haubette. None of these places except St. Leonards ie more than a mile from the city of Rheims, which is surrounded on the east, north, and west. Fully three-quarters __ of an armed circle round the city is held by the Germans, and nothing worth reserving is left in Rheims but the cathedral. „ Critics are unanimous that the recent German losses have been exceedingly heavy, especially during the last three" days. "This alone is sufficient' to explain the diminution of the German pressure. Solid barriers have now been erected on the three principal roads to Paris. It is a matter of congratulation that the latest great effort, after only eight days, may be regarded as broken. The Germans have virtually surrounded Rheims, but have failed to make

any impression at Villers-Cotterets or Retz Forest.

The work of defence has largely fallen on the French cavalry, particularly in the Ourcci sector, where it bore the brunt of the German attack between Nesles Forest and Diavigny. One battalion of cavalry was surrounded, but refused to surrender, and instead changed its direction, going south, and fought its way through with the bayonet. When it got free the cavalry turned northward and drove back the enemy. French airmen also performed most brilliant service. On Thursday an officer in command of an air squadron launched 50 rn'c;i : '> * rt.irunst an enemy column occupying three miles of road. As though making a cavalry charge, the aeroplanes flew 10 or 20 yards above the ground, pouring a hail of machine-gun fire into the column until the latter was dispersed. A semi-official report states: The German losses are becoming more serious daily, but they are still numerically superior on the whole front, and may he able to embark' on a new offensive in eome other sector, perhaps that of Montdidjer-Noyon. The French Command, therefore, is wisely biding its time before putting forth all its efforts. Military critics attach great importance to the steady reduction of the enemy s salient between Chateau Thierry and Vil-levs-Cottcrets Forest, The operation is clearly intended to safeguard tjfflKJailway junction of Lizy-sur-Ouroq and the, approaches thereto. The enemy s chagrin at failing to retain the Jost ground is deepened by finding Americans increasingly prominent beside the French, and that in no en-

counters have they (the enemy) scored successes. THE RECENT ANGLO-FRENCH RETREAT. Renter's correspondent at French Headquarters, writing on June 2 says: The following details of the first day s fighting north of the Aisne are important, because of the light they throw on the swift Anglo-French ic-treat in the early hours of May 27. It has been already explained .that the British held a front from Craonne to Bermericourt (north of Rheime). this line crossing the Aisne at Berry-au-Bac. On the left our lino was formed by the Fiftieth 1 erntorial Division, who held the California Plateau immediately above Craonne. On our left the line was carried on by a French division, which already held a very extended front along the Chemin-des-Dames. The probability of a German attack in this sector was fully recognised, but the enemy gave no sign of their intention until the bombardment begrn on May 27. Bad weather had hindered aeroplane observation work along the Aisne since' March. The truth is, the Germans knew that this front was lightly held, and they estimated accurately the number of troops they would require to ensure the indispensable initial success. Then they poured in streams of fresh divisions to pursue the advantage; but von Hutier's method of attack makes it superfluous for the troops required to exnloit a victory to appear on the battlefield until the command is quite sure that the openmg attack has succeeded. On a front such as the Germans held, constructed to shelter a far larger number of troops than actually occupied the sector, it was not difficut for 'the enemy to put in the number of divisions necessary to attack without fresh diggings close to the front,

which inevitably would have revealed their purpose. To undoretand what followed it must bo remembered that the French front alopg the Chemin-des-Dames and in the Ailette Valley was in full view of the German artillery observers on the opposite linos of heights, and the position of the French trenches was well known to the Germans. The French front was attacked in greater density than ours. The enemy infantry suffered heavily from our machine-gun fire in crossing the valley, but were in too great strength to be "held by it. They were on 'the crest, and practically into their stride. They seem to have crossed the crest by a narrow neck uniting the California and Vauclerc Plateaux. At any rate, the first intimation of thoir presence which the British division had was the sudden appearance of a German column .« their rear making their way down the steep slopo to Craonne. Retreat was inevitable. The AngloFrench line fell back to the river bank of the Aisne, fighting all the way. in order to save unity of line. The Britieh Fiftieth and Eighth Divisions were swamped by the weight of the German numbers, and lost heavily. On our right, south of the river, the Twenty-fifth Division and a neighbouring French division held firm. The British Twenty-fifth Division, which was in reserve, sent up supports early in the day, so that all the British troops on the Aisne front participated in the battle. As the retreat continued, under the'••attacks of a fresh sream of German divisions, our line became alarmingly 'thin. Reinforcements arrived in the evening and pur line was reconstituted. Since then we have practically given no ground, although constantly engaged. The weight of the German attack has shifted to the other wing of the battle between Soissons and Chateau Thierry. The same French division which began the battle on our right is still, holding with us after weeks of incessant fighting. The evening's reports were more hopeful. For the first time since the 27th of May the enemy gained no ground during the day. On the west front, facing in the direction of Paris, whore _ attack and counter-attack followed in quick succession, the gains of the Germans were at least counter-balanced by those of the French in the centre. The enemy extended thenfront on the north bank of the Marne, which is still bounded by Chateau Thierry, evacuated some days ago, and Verneuil. Between Verneuil, north of the Marne, and Rheims, the line runs practically straight north-east. Thore have been no changes of importance in this direction, exceot around Rheims, where the Germans have drawn the line closer. The fighting was hardest on the western front; The Germans advanced along the eastern border of the Villers-Cotterets Forest and southward between the valleys of the Ourcq and the Marne. A thick forest, which favoured the German tactics of infiltration, is traversed from east to west by two well-defined valleys, along which run the railways from Soissons and Fismes, entering tho forest at Longpont and Troesnes. A small tributary ' of the Ourcq joins these two points. Along tins stream a hotly contested battle raged all day, and another around Longpont, Courcy, Faverolles, and Trocsnes. Th'> fighting was terribly bitter at Troesnes. Courcy was attacked again and again, but was held in spite of all the efforts of tho enemy. Oar counter attacks enabled the line of villages fronting the forest to be maintained. THE ENEMY HELD. Writing on the morning of the 4th inst., tho same correspondent states: The latest reports of yesterday's fighting confirrn the statement that the enemy is held. The fighting is bitter along the whole front from the Oise to the Marne, with the balance of advantage on the side of the Allies. Such progress as the Germans havo made cost them an exaggerated _ price in casualties. There is extraordinarily bitter fighting in the Ourcq Valley for the possession of the road on the southern edge of Villers Cotterets Forest in the direction of La Ferte Milon, where a French cavalry division, fighting on foot, is engaged in an obstinate conflict with enemy ■ crack divisions, including the First Division of the Prussian Guards, and making them pay dearly for every foot of ground gained. In pursuit of their object to enclose Paris ir. a salient by way of the valleys of tho Oise and the Ourcq and the Marne, the enemy are now desperately trying to free their left wing on the Marne. They have • a front here of barely 15 miles between Chateau Thierry and La Ferte-Malon, and it is impossible to manoeuvre the immense army of assault on such a front without exposing it to an enormous risk. The Crown Prince is striving to widen the front. If the Germans now brought to a standstill, as Allied opinion is confident, there is likely to be a prolonged conflict east of Paris in further pursuit of the aim to destroy the French armies and bring batteries to bear upon the eity. Neuilly-la-Poterio -(on the Ourcq) was taken and retaken several times. Our counter-attacks are holding the enemy in check, and their gains were purchased at an excessive price. American troops again distinguished themselves in the fighting at Nouilly. Their machine-gunners also cooperated in minor engagements at Jaulgonne, on the Marne, on the night of June 2, when a partv of Germans who crossed the river wore surrounded and captured. The battle on tho _4th reached a similar stage to that which marked that of Picardy, when tho enemy's march was definitely arrested. Now. as then, he cannot hope to make progress until he has brought up artillery; but renewed attempts more violent than before must be expected, but with far greater odds in our favour, as the surprise stage has passed. The Americans so far engaged havo borne themselves so well as to justify the most optimistic foreCasts The enemy iriust have not'eed their number nnd ofiiciency; therefore it is likelv that they will exert utmost effort to reneh a decision before autumn, when increased American numbers will have wiped out the enemy's present numerical supremacy. Eurone is therefore likely to experience tho bloodiest summer ever known. ATTEMPTS TO CROSS THE MARNE. BRILLIANT FRAN'OO-AMERICAN FIGHT [NO. Writing on the sth inst.. the co-respon-dent savs: Tho attempt of the Germans to Cross the Marne at .Taulgonne wns more serious than appeared in tho first reports. The enemy threw 32 ladder footbridarps across the river, but four were destroyed by gunfire. A Prussian battalion crossed the remainder, two m<m abreast, and advanced immediately to tho railway, installing a machine-gun detachment at the station.

The remainder spread along the lino, sheltering behind the embankment. _ It was decided to throw the enefny across the river at all costs, and this operation was carried out on Sunday night by dismounted dradoons, supported by American machinegunners. The latter were engaged in a duel with the Germans at the station, enabling (he French to work behind the Germans, who incontinently fled, headed . by thoir officers, some of whom plunged _ into the river and swam across. The remainder of the battalion were killed or captured. The enemy losses in the machine-gun battle with tho Americans for tho Chateau Thierry bridge were also extremely heavy. Over 1000 German dead lay on the bank of tho river and in the streets leading thereto. The correspondent, writing on the sth inst., states: The first American infantrv who engaged in battle took part, in the defence of Neuilly Wood, on the south bank of the Ourcq, on the 3rd inst. They left for tho front in the highest spirits, resolved not to yield an inch of French ground. On the morning of the 3rd the Germans crossed tho railway running down the Ourcq Valley, and took a village a mile from Veuilly and also a height to tho southward. They advanced in strong force against our line at Veuilly Wood, their object being to gain a footing in Maringy Wood, south of Veuilly. The FranooAmorleans 'took up positions south of tho wood, the Americans on the left. When the Germans came with-'n ransre the Americans opened flank machine-gun fire, causing extremely heavy losses.. The Germans halted to rallv, when their rout was completed by a French counter-attack, which put them to flight. The correspondent, writing on June 7, rays: The attack by a combined force of French and Americans west of Chateau Thierrv on a four and a-half mile front waj a brilliant _ affair. Tho Germans held a strong line in wooded country. The French on tho left, rushing through Neuilly and Bushieres, captured both villages, crossed tho stream, and* wore progressing towards the heights of Santevesnios when the last reports were received. The Americans on the right advanced their line a mile in the course of the morning, and captured Bourncsches. Both forces took prisoners, the number of whom has not yet been counted. Mr George H. Perris (Dailv Chronicle) writes: An American machine-gun unit and some French colonial infantry covered themselves with glory 'by holding the Marne bridgehead at Chateau Thierry. When the Germans were immediately threatening the town from the hills to the nor'th and north-west, the E'rench and Americans crossed the river, and drove back the attackers to the outskirts of Chateau Thierry. The Germans returned to the attack at nightfall, marching along the boulevard to the Marne, and throwing smoke bombs ahead of the column. Tho Germans upon the bridge when the central arch was- blown up, with many German infantrymen The American machinegunners, after covering the retirement, held some sheltered posts for two days and nights, preventing the enemy from building or repairing _ bridges. The ve'teran French troops praise the vigilance, energy, and sang froid of then - younger comrades, who inflicted # heavy losses on the Germans, while sustaining fewer casualties themselves. GERMAN SECTIONAL ATTACKS. Mr Gerald Campbell, the Daily Mail representative with the French army, states: Tho superiority of numbers on 'the OiseRheims front enabled the enemy to make an immense series of sectional attacks. Small wedgo-shaped parties advanced in echelon, attained definite points, then extended into line and doubled the aggregate of tho original front. No fewer than 50 divisions attacked, including special shock troops. The Allies' screening troops, already scanty, were increasingly placed at a disadvantage as the line widened. The enemv encountered most savage resistance on Saturday between the Neuilly front and Villers-Cot'terets, and threw in fresh troops, including divisions replacing the Guards, who suffered heavily during the earlier advance. Corey and Troesnes were lost during a swaying fight, but were recaptured by the French cavalry, which figured brilliantly in tho day's engagement. Below Troesnes the enemy was pushed hack ot Possyd, between Dormand and Rheims. The Allies retook Champla't and progressed towards Tardenois. German airmen were dominant during the early offensive, owing to the French aviators being compelled to extemporise fresh quarters, but the latter soon regained the upper hand. The Germans are bringing up large numbers of heavy batteries, and will probably use them in greaetr masses, attacking weaker places, but that does not matter since the French reserves havo arrived. I am convinced that we have now enough men and gune to secure victory. The Morning Post's Paris corresponderit says that heavy fighting at Fort Pompelle, south-east of Rheims, resulted to the enemy's disadvantage. The Germans launched four regiments against Pompelle on May 31 after gunfire, 'took the French observation posts, and reached the slopes of the fort. German tanks got in the rear of tho fort, but all six were destroyed or captured. There were many acts of individual heroism, including that of a machine-gunner who fought two tanks single-handed. A colonel led a grenade attack in person, and cleared out the Germans from Pompelle by hand-to-hand fighting, 'the enemy leaving 19 machine guns and many prisoners. THRILLING EXPERIENCES. Correspondents on the French front give in detail the experiences of tho four British divisions holding the lino astride the Aisne, between Craonne and Bermericourt. German trench mortars, opening fire at 1 a.m. on May 27, _ had knocked the wire entanglements to pieces by 4 a.m. The Fiftieth Division, on tho extreme British left, was hard pressed, the Germans Laving cut through on their left and taken them both in- front and rear. The attack developed until the four British divisions were swamped by overwhelming numbers, though the British made tho crossing of the Aisne a costly business for the. Germans. The British commenced to fall back on the afternoon of May 27, and continued to retire until May 29, since when they havo not changed their position. It is estimated that the Germans lost 5 per cent, of the numbers engaged in this attack. Mr Philip Gibbs says: Tho Fiftieth Division includes several drafts of young soldiers altogether inexperienced in actual warfare. This sector was quiet, and there was no reason to expect an attack ; The enemy brought up their divisions in tho night, hiding them by the way in the wooded country. An attack was, however,

expected by May 26. The thinness of the British line had made officers and men anxious, and throughout the night tho artillery manned their guns and mortars ready to meet thy attack. Then came the Gei man bombardment, alternate]}' hi<rh explosives and g.\s shells. It is said that 100 Germr.i tanks were included in their first infantry waves, and squadrons of enemy aeroplanes which hud been carefully hidden during the week, also Hew over, bombing and machine-gunning the Biitish. We fought gallantly under most difficult conditions, the enemy relying on overwhelm ing pressure. Many of our gunners fought to the last, using their revolvers when their guns had been nut out of action and the Germans were around them. The new drafts of infantry showed wonderful steadiness, nerve, and gallantry. A thrilling episode, states Mr Gibbs, occurred at Maizy (south-west of Oraonne), where the Germans seized the Aisne bridge. A party of British falling back did not know that 400 Germans had captured the bridoghead before even the tide of refugees could cross. The women and children were terror-stricken when they found their re treat cut off. A small British and French convoy was also obliged to sivrrender. As the retreating British reached Maizy they tried to swim the canal. One gunner swam across for a boat, and rowed back to pick up a wounded comrade. Thirty other British soldiers saw a chance of escape and crowded into tho boat. The Germans on "the bridge lired their revolvers at the boat until 22 of the occupants were killed. Only eight escaped, including the gunner and Ins wounded friend. They had then to cross tho Aiene, and, though under fire throughout, the gunner dragged his comyrado through the entanglements, waded the river, and finally found a safe hidingplace in a wood. British motor ambulances had thrilling adventures rescuing the wounded during the retreat. AUSTRALIANS DEFEAT- A RAID. Mr Percival Phillips says: Enemy raids constitute the sole activity on the British front, all of which have been lamentablo failures. The Australians are the heroes of the following typical raid. At least 200 picked Geraaan infantry participated in an expedition against the Australians south of Morlancourt. They expected to catch tho Australians napping, and their disillusionment could not have been more complete. The Australians took prisoner 21 and captured four machine guns, while 25 bodies were counted in No Man's Land. Other raids, north of Lens,, north-east of Hinges, near La Bassee, eastward of the Neippe Forest, and southward of Ypres all left prisoners in our hands, amd only in one place were British kidnapped. A Paris message, dated June 4 (9.45 a.m.), states: The advance is definitely cheoked. The Germans have been driven back across the Marne near Chateau Thierry. We recaptured Faverolles. The Germans captured Pernant at heavy cost. American troops havo captured Torcy and Bouresche®, west of Chateau Thierry. THE SUPREME WAR COUNCIL. CONFIDENCE IN GENERAL FOCH. The Press Bureau states: The Supremo War Council held its sixth session under circumstances of great gravity for the alliance of free peoples. The German Government, relieved of all pressure on the cast front, is attempting to gain a decision in Europe before the United States can bring her full strength effectively to bear. The advantage of strategic position and superior railway facilities enabled tho enemy High Command to gain some initial successes. The enemy will undoubtedly renew their attacks, and the Allied nations may still be exposed to critical days. After a review of the whole position, tho Council is convinced that the Allies will bear tho trials of the forthcoming campaign with the same fortitude that they have ever exhibtied in defence of the Right, will baffle the enemy's purpose, and in due course bring them to defeat. Everything possible is being done to sustain and support our armies in tho field. The arrangements for unity of command have greatly improved tho position of the Allied armies, and are working smoothly and successfully. The Council has complete confidence in General Fooh, regards with pride and admiration the valour of the Allied troops, and thanks President * Wilson for his prompt, arid cordial co-operation in the arrangements for the transportation and brigading' of tho which will prevent the enemy wearing out the Allied reserves before tho of their own. Tho Council is confident of the ultimate result of the Allies' opposition to Berlin despotism. Their armies are displaying tho same steadfastness which enabled them on many previous occasions to defeat the German onset. They have only to endure with patience to the end to make the victory of freedom secure. The free peoples and their magnificent soldiers will eave civilisation. SPEECH BY M. CLEMENCEAU. M: Clemenccau, French Premier, gave a long exposition of the military situation to a committee of tho Chamber of Deputies, explaining how the Allies' effectives are being used. M. Clemenccau indicated that the situation had been grave, but that the crisis was past, .and tho Germans were now being held everywhere. The French Chamber of Deputies, by 377 votes to 110, expressed confidence in the Government after M. Clemenccau, the Premier, had made a forceful appeal against debating the German offensive. In reply to a Socialist interpellation, M. Clemenccau said: "The Germans'- attitude is to terrorise us. but if we stand fast success is ours. While the German effectives are exhausting themselves, the Americans are arriving in ever-increasing numbers." _ ». M. Clemenccau. in a speech of a grave character in the Chamber, stressed the approaching crisis, indicating that the French line, after four years of war, was becoming weaker, while the Allies were sustaining enormous losses. He added that in the recent offensive the French fought against fivefold their numbers, almost without sleep during the last four days. M. Clemenceau paid a tribute to Foch's officers and men for their devotion to duty, although they had yielded more ground than he liked. Ho counselled calmness, and to hold on to tho end. Tho Government depended on the Fatherland to fight to death. The enemy were staking all unon their present blow. The Allies were pledged to fight on until they wore victorious. GENERAL MAURICE CRITICAL. General Maurieo, in the Daily Chronicle, commenting upon the declaration by the Supreme War Council and M. Clemenceua's speech, says: Speaking bluntly, we are now

in tho same situation as in 1914, when our I allies wore obliged to hold on until we i throw in our new armies. Now, having ; failed to adequately prepare for the new j situation which resulted from Russia's col- j i ipse. we arc ug.-.-.n holering on until America throws in her weight. The vital J Cjucst.on meantime is: Whoso effectives 'ire dwindling most quickly? General Maurice details the measures taken, and sums up: Apparently we have again let the enemy get a start by allowing them to train fresh drafts before ours were ready. THE DEFENCE OF PARIS. Reuter's Paris correspondent reports that a ccjirimittec has been appointed, under I ho Minister of War. for the defence m of tho capital, being charged with the formation of an entrenched camp. General Dubail, Military Governor of Paris, has been appointed president of the committee. The Special Committee of Defence to direct the organisation of victualling and armaments comprises, besides General Dubail, the chief officials of Paris and the Department of the Seine, and several senators and deputies. The Petit Parisian states that the Defence of "Paris Decree proves that the French Government means to stick ."t nothing to keep the capital inviolate. The events of the past fortnight have proved tho necessity of preparing for a surprise, however improbable tho eventual attack may bo. The entrenched camp contemplated may be most distant from the city, and tho necessity for it may perhaps still be averted. The decree is an act of foresight, not of despair, and should strengthen and not disturb the population. THE DEFENCE OF" RHEIMS. The news on the 3rd was the most satisfactory since May 27. Reports had been growing brighter during the past two_ days, but yesterday brought the* first indication ! that the enemy were being definitely j checked. The entry of the Allied reserves is undo'.ibtdly taking effect. The recapture of Mont Choisy is most important, as it is one of the main bastions defending »•}.» road to Paris by way of Compicgne ; whilo the repulse of enemy attempts to enter the forest of Retz is no loss significant, for it is now evident that the enemy plan is to capture the forest-clad heights of VillersCotterets and Compicgne, and then enclose Paris in an enormous salient by way of tho Oise and the Oureq. The defence of Rheims is one of the most important features of tho battle. Tho French troops guarding the Rheims ap-

f proachoa on May 27 gradually fell back | through (ho suburbs. In consequence of j.lhis withdrawal of tho Hue the troops on j tho left hold out for eight days without | relief. Those encircling tho city on the r.ght retired .only 109 yards, until tho inI crossed gap on their left necessitated: a modification of the lino. All enemy attempts to capture tho city by frontal a* s.iult proved fruitless. They are unable to employ tanks to rush the suburbs ol Rhoims, as they intruded. Three tanki approached en the afternoon of May SI, but were driven back. THE GERMAN PAUSE. ALLEG ED CONCENTRATIONS. French commentators agree that the Germans are intensely eager to continue tho battle. The pause is duo. only to fatigue and the need of bringing up artillery and supplies. Tho offensive is certain to ba renewed with bitter and terrible violence in tho hope of gaining a decisive success. M. Marcel Hutin anticipates a rapid development further west, probably on the Mont-didier-Noyon front. Lo Matin's military critic states that masses of Germans are collecting towards La Ferte Milon (on the Ourcq, south of the Villcrs-Cotterets Forest) and Alley (?), hoping to debouch on the historic plateau on which the Sixth Army fought its battlo in 1914. The present battle is momentarily one of parallels, but a German lateral movement is expected. He points out that the Germans are moving so fast that an opportunity will probably be given for ono of those sudden manoeuvres capable of upsetting the entire combination. The United Press correspondent at tho : American front expects a now offensive to> begin on the Metz (Lorraine) front, wherd heavy enemy concentrations are piling up, apparently Austrians. THE GERMAN RESERVES. ' The Australian Press Association learns that the enemy's progress for the tima being hae been checked. The immediate danger is over, but until it is known ? where Prince Faipprecht's reserves will bo thrown in anxiety must continue. Tho Germans show a reluctance to directly attack Rheims, where the defence is weil prepared, and would involve the enemy in heavy losses. They have nothing to gain by the capture of the city unless they aro, able to drive tho French sufficiently far back to enable them to make good uso of the lateral communications between' Soiesons and Rheims. .

The Germans have used 41 divisions since May 27. Few of these belong to armies to ihe eastward, the bulk of the Crown Prince's being the Crown Prince's own reserves. The Germans are still quite free to concentrate either for an advance on Paris or on Amiens. The Allies labour under iho disadvantaged of maintaining a long line with a largo number of vulnerable points, such as Paris and the Channel ports. Wo a.ro unable to keep largo concentrated reserves. These must be tpread over a greater extent than we could wish, while the Germans are able to oonrontra'te rapidly on a definite point Wo

must expect an early Austrian offensive. The Piavo now offers no obstacle, while finerat'orus in mountains are also possible The efficiency of the Italian army has enormously increased during the winter and spring. No Germans were operating on the Italian front. DANGER OF .FriRTHER RETIREMENT. The summary of the situation received by Iho Australian Press Association states: Wo have been driven eo far back that wo have little room to manoeuvre, and cannot ret tie further without exposing vital objects.

Wo must therefore fight where wo stand. But there is no cause for the slightest despondency. Wo have ample reason for confidence owing to the splendid fighting qualities of the French and the great competence of the High Command. Our army feels the highest confidence in Foch. Tho German claims of 55.000 prisoners and 600 guns aro probably exaggerated, but when tho rapid retreat is considered this loss is no't great, even if the German estimate be true. The French .Staff work in destroying and removing stores was excellent. GERMAN OPINIONS. A German war correspondent emphasises particularly tho stubborn resistance tho French aro offering near Soissons, where there are largo concentrations of artillery. German military critics admit tho unexpected strength of tho Allied reserves. Von Holzmann, in an article in the Vossischo Zoitung, says tho offensive will be pushed later, and other surprises await tho Allies. The Vossischo Zcitung'e military correspondent says: General Foch was _ enabled to organise a strong resistance owing to a brilliantly-constructed railway system. Ho cons'dcrs that tho German High Command should not attack the newly-consolidated French front, richly provided with reserves, and thereby expose 'the Germans to high losses.