The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1914-12-31
FRENCH BEGIN GREAT
ADVANCE IN ALSACE
Forward Movements From Posi-
tiOns in Vosges Threaten
Germany in Vital Spot.
TROOPS MOVED FROM WEST
Special Cable Despatch TO Tnr srS.


PARIS, Dec. 20.--The most intense in
terest IL felt here over the development
OF the French invasion OF Lorraine and
Alsace. 1t In neither permissible nor
ethical to reveal all that is known OF
the operations in the provinces go ar
IDENTIFY desired by the people of France.
All that can be said is that great events
are imminent.
The German Official report OF Tuesday
contained II plain hint that the French
are massing troops for a great effort in
Upper Alsace. Apparently there Is news
OF similar import IN Paris. hut which
cannot pass the censors. IL seems prob
able that Gen. Joffre has diverted large
forces from Flanders and northern
France for the purpose OF striking n
hard blow on the east
The Government announcement tonight
contains no reference to thc invasion OF
Aisace. but the unofficial reports state hat
the troops of the republic are maintaining
new positions ready for fresh attacks.
The text of the night report was rs fol-
lows:
No important incidents have teen
reported beyond some cannonading in
the region OF Arras and on the Huats-
de-Meuse and certain progress in tho
Champagne district, which appears to
have been rather considerable.
BAD weather has continued on the
greater part of the front
Germans lombard Positions
The report of the afternoon supplied
news of the all important movement in
the east. Between the Argonne and the
Moselle the Germans bombarded the
French positions heavily, and In the
NosgcS they endeavored to drive the
French from positions at La Tete de
Faux. but without success. Further south.
In the line of advance toward Muelhauscn
and Altkirch. the French heavy guns
covered the terrifying and sapping opera
tons OF the French infantry and silencrd
German batteries. gaining particular sd-
vantages at Upper Aspach.
The text of the official report referring
to thes. operations was as follows:
In Belgium we have won a little
territory in the region Of Newport
opposite Folders. and TO the north OF
Lombaertzyde. The enemy subjected
81 Georges to q violent bombardmcnt
This il the position We are putting IN
a state of defence. W. have captured
a German point OF support. located
to the southeast OF Zonnebeke, on the
road between BeCelaere and IasChcn-
dazzle.
From the Lys to tho DISC there Is
nothing to report.
In the valley of the Aisne and in
Champagne the enemy has manifested
another burst OF activity, which has
taken the form particularly of a Nio-
lent artillery fire. to which our heavy
artillery has replied effectively.
In the Argonne We have made slight
progress IN tho ray'nr of -Four u.
Paris
Between the Argonne and the Mo-
selc there has been cannonading
along all the front, but particularly
severe along the heights Of tho
Mrusc.
In the Nosges the enemy delivered
an attack against our positions AZ La
Tetp de Faux this was repulsed.
In upper A'sace We are consoliGat-
ing our positions, Our heavy a-
tilery reduced to silence the German
howitzers which were bombardlng
Upper Aspach.
Along the western flank. particularly
In the region Of Arras, the battle has been
savage. but has produced little gain for
other side. The Crown Prince OF Bavaria
and Gen. Won Arnim command the Ger
man forces In this region. The Allies hold
tcnaclously e. Arras. u position OF great
strategic importance. but the strength q.
the Germans - enormous and they have
accurate range OF tho roadways and
trenches held by the allied forces