GIGANTIC CLASH OF ARMS.

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume XLIV, Issue 14213, 2 February 1917, Page 3

GIGANTIC CLASH OF ARMS.

ACTIVITY INCREASING ON ANGLOFRENCH FRONT. MIGHTY ARMIES~ TAKING EACH OTHER'S MEASURE. CONFIDENCE OF ALLIED COMMANDERS. (Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.) (Received February 2, 9.20 a.m.) LONDON, February 1. The activity on tlie Anglo-French front is increasing. Pending a gigantic clash of arms the mighty armies are taking each other's measure. French critics, who fully expect the 1917 campaign to end the war, interpret the German attacks on the 30th not only as feelers whereby the staff was seeking to discover the well-kept secret of the Allies' plans, but as a prelude to a German offensive. The AngloFrench staffs are fully prepared to cope with any German effort. General Rawlinson discussed a, possible German offensive. "We have everything we need," he said. "If the Germans care to lose a few hundred thousand men for no purpose we have no objection." Major Deci vrieux, writing m the Matin , points out the mobility of large AngloFrench heavy artillery reserves, assured by railway and motor traction, enabling a crushing surprise offensivo to be directed against the enemy while they engage m anotJier sector. The Allies are not content with the defensive and will thus absorb the enemy's effort and ex» hausA hia effectives. ■