BRITISH AT THE GATES OF DOUAI.

Colonist, Volume LX, Issue 14892, 15 October 1918, Page 5

BRITISH AT THE GATES OF DOUAI.

WESTERN SUBURBS CAPTURED.

OISE SALIENT EVACUATED

(Australian and N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received Oct. 14, 10.10 p.m.) London, Oct. 13

Our troops are at the gates of Dmiai. They have captured the suburbs on the west bank of the Sensee Canal. The Allies occupy practically the whole of St. Gobain massif. ' The French have reached the outskirts of Laon, which is expected to fall at any moment. We advanced another six or seven miles to-day in this region. The enemy have practically evacuated the Oise salient, and the Allies have emerged into open country in the neighbourhood of the source of the Louchey river

The enemy are carrying out the retreat towards the frontier in good order, according to a well thought out plan. The retreat is no debacle. The morale has. deteriorated in one or two sectors, but. there is no -widespread deterioration. When the present retreat is carried out the enemy will be in an extremely difficult position, with a number of salients, and the prospect of open warfare. The peace negotiations have-- not affected the enemy's morale. Political considerations' rather than military necessity are responsible for the peace overtures.