The Birmingham age-herald. [volume] (Birmingham, Ala.) 1902-1950, 1914-11-30
BELIEVES BATTLE OF
YPRES NOW NEARING
THE LAST STAGES
Artillery Fire of Germans
Slackening Considerably
and Infantry Charges
Practically Ceased-Vast-
ly Superior Forces Face
Allied Army in West.
Russians Contending with
Smaller Army

London, November 29.-(4 p. m.)
Field Marshal Sir John French, COM
raander In chief Of the British forces
In the field, speaks alphabetically of
the position Of the allies in a report
made public here today. 1t covers In n
general way activities from October
II to November 20.
Summing up. Field Marshal French
says:
"As close this lispatch. signs are in
evidence that we are possibly in the last
stages of the battle from Ypres to Ar
mentieres. For several days the artillery
fire of the enemy has slackened consid-
erably and his infantry attacks practi-
cally have ceased.
Tn remarking upon the general military
situation of the allies, it does not seem
to be clearly understood that the opera
tions in which we have been engaged en-
i brace nearly all of the central part of
Europe, in the east to the west. The
combined French, Belgian and British
armies in the west and the Russian army
in the east are opposed to the united
forces of Germany and Austria.
Enemy Superior in West
'.Our enemies elected at the commence
-,,@nt of the war to throw the weight OF
their ierces against sur ainlies IN the
west and to detach only comparatively
weak force, composed of very few of the
first line troops and several corps of Sec
ond and third line troops, to stem the
Russian advance until the western forces
could be completely overwhelmed TheiI
strength enabled them from the outset to
throw greatly superior forces against us
in the west. This precludes the posi-
bility of our taking vigorous offensive ac'
alton except when miscalculations are
made by their commanders, opening uT
special opportunities for successful at
tacks and pursuit.
1.-THE battle of the Marne was an exam.
pie, as was our advance from St. Omel
and Hazebrouck to the line of the River
Lys, at the commencement of this bat
tie. The role which our armies conse
quently have been called upon to fulfil
has been to occupy strong defensive posi-
tions, holding ground gained and inviting
Ia the enemys attack, and to throw bacl
these attacks, causing the enemy heav,
losses In his retreat and following him VI
with powerful and successful counter at
tacks to complete his discontinue.
The value and significance of operation
of this nature since the commencement
of hostiities lies in the fact that at thu
moment when the eastern provinces O.
Germany are in imminent danger of be
ing overrun by the numerous and power
full armies of Russia, nearly the whole ac
tive army of Germany is tied down to {
line of trenches extending from Verdui
| on the Alsatian frontier TO the sea a
I. Nieuport east of Dunkirk "a distance o
260 miles), where they are held with mucl
reduced number sand impaired morale
by the successful action of our troops
Praises Royal Artillery
''I cannot speak too highly of the serv
ices rendered by the Royal artiller
throughout the battle. In spite of the fac
Il that the enemy brought up guns of grea
range and shell power, our men have sue
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