STRATEGY OF THE SOMME.

Rangitikei Advocate and Manawatu Argus, Volume XLI, Issue 11700, 21 October 1916, Page 5

STRATEGY OF THE SOMME.

TO HOLD THE GERMANS.

HIGH AUTHORITY INTERVIEWED.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Associa-

tion. Received Oct. 21, 9 a.m. New York, Oct. 20.

The New York World’s London correspondent interviewed MajorGeneral Morrice, director of military operations, He said the main strategic purpose of the Allies operations on the Somme was to retain the -bulk of the German forces on this front. As five-eighths of the German army was there the purpose had been achieved. The Jbritish are now fighting for a jumping-off place from Jwhich to attack Bapaume While Bapaume and Peronne are not of first-class strategic value their capture will be morally important. Replying to a question, he said there was no reason for lack of confidence in the Roumanian’s ability to make an effective stand. They had enough men with good leadership, and there was no ground for doubting their ability.

BRITISH AIRMEN’S DARING

A FRENCH TRIBUTE

PHOTOGRAPHS FACILITATE CAPTURE. Paris, Oct. 20, The Matin’s correspondent states that British airmen during the recent operations made 8000 trips across the enemy’s lines to the enemy’s dozen over theirs. Before every attack the troops resting behind the lines reproduce a plan of the enemy’s complicated works from the airmen’s photogrpahs and rehearse the capture. TRENCHES RAIDED. Received Oct, 21, 10 a.m. Loudon, Oct. 20. Sir Douglas Haig reports: We raided trenches at Loos. The enemy shelled the Stuff and Schwaben Redoubts.