THE AMERICAN DIVISION.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14546, 26 October 1917, Page 5

THE AMERICAN DIVISION.

FIT FOR THE TRENCHES

GERMANY'S WANING MAN-

POWER,

COLONEL REPINGTON ON THE

SITUATION

"The Times.")

(Received Oct. 25, 8.20 p.m.) London, Oct. 24

Colonel Repington visited the Americans at the front. He says that Genoral P-orshing could put his division into the line now, but America is resolved to perfect her armies before she undertakes a gigantic battle excepting in the air or on the water. All supplies for the troops are coming from America, and also f even great quantities of roiling stock.

Dealing with the general position, Colonel Repington says that ascertainable figures show that the chances oT Germany winning by dint of numbers have, long since passed.. The German fighting strength is now 5,750,000, of which 2,200,000 are in the West, 1,200,000 in the East, and. the balance in deppts,. ga^Tisons; and administra-

tive services. There are proljably half a million reserves, including 380 000 of tho partly trained 1919 class, which, with Recovered wounded, will only be available for reinforcements.

If the 1918 fighting is on, a similar scale to that of tins and last year Germany will be compelled to use the 1920-21 classes next year, or weaken and reduce her divisions. She will probably make superhuman efforts' this winter to equal the British artillery output and beat us in the air, but this will not make easier the maintenance of her infantry strength.