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Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 176, 31 August 1914, Page 4

In spite of tlie tremendous losses which they must have incurred on the march from Liege to the French frontier, the German armies arc slowly edging their way towards a converging attack of the centre and right wing on the allied lines of defence which must be somewhere along the front of the La Fere-Rheims concentration area. With Longwy out of the way, the path i* more open for the German centre, which is estimated to number some 300,000 men. Report speaks, too, of German patrols as far round to the north-west as Amiens, and there are indications of an extension of the invading enveloping movement being ilung round far enough to turn the Allies' line of defence. Meanwhile the hammer head of the attack is being directed with desperate endeavour between Maubeuge and Montmedy, and with the German centre striking simultaneously with the extended right wing, the Allies will re-('jTiTr-e every available man to feed their front line set engagement is precipitated. Wlien~f'lie-line.of battle is formed over an extended front, the world can look for the most titanic conflict that has yet taken place. Heavy responsibilities are carried by the French extreme left wing, for it must at all hazards prevent the enveloping movement from being successful. For this reason, the Germans are certain to test this link of the chain by throwing~a powerful section of the right wing against this point. If the thing could be managed; that is, if the men were available, a countering flank movement from Ostend by the Allies on the exposed right wing of the invaders would, if well planned, conceiv-

ably turn the scale. A second British Expeditionary Force, combined with the Belgians who are now operating against the Germans to the north of Brussels, would assist the Allied armies in France beyond computation. When all is -said, it lias to be admitted that, mainly because of their great numerical superiority, the Germans have made certain progress, even if it has proved ■ostly. They have taken the offensive on every occasion, and have pushed the Allies back steadily into France. The crucial battle has yet to be fought, for the French armies, thanks to the stubbornness of the Britishers, have had time to arrange their front, and prepare for the supreme test. If during the progress of this terrific struggle a strong force can be found to attack the unprotected! flank of the German right wing, the result could hardly be in doubt. What is the real import of the Ostend operations'?