New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-12-08
GERMANS MASS
TROOPS In WEST
Continued from page I

would keep on the western front
French troops who might otherwise be
sent 10 Salonica, and second, II would
help 10 prop up the German morale,
which suffered severely by reason OF
the Champagne defeat.
The French believe that such drive
is contemplated and are making plans
10 meet il. Joffre will not undertake
q new thrust until next year; the only
operation Of which Paris talks is this
expected German offensive in the west.
The French are prepared 10 hurl back
such an assault should it come. They
have had time to lay up big supply
of ammunition and TO strengthen their
positions. Such an offensive might
ven please the Allies, for they might
make it the occasion of inhicting
heavy losses on the enemy.
Launch Champagne Drive.
Where this drive would be staged is
not certain, but the indications are
that it will take place in Artois and
Belgium. where there has been the
greatest concentration of artillery and
men. A new German offensive in
champagne is reported by Paris to-
night. Il is the first infantry action
Of importance that has taken place in
more than a fortnight Berlin claims
the capture Of $50 metres of French
trenches east Of Auberive. Paris ad-
rits the loss, but says that most Of the
lost positions were regained.
This attack in Champagne may be
an attempt TO draw Allied forces from
the Artofs front, where the real often
sive is planned. Heavy artillery ac--
tions are taking place in Belgium and
the Northern France sector, foreshad-
owing, it is possible, vigorous infan-
try action. The Belgians are making
preparations to resist n new German
attack. These moves are indicated in
the official communication issued to-
night. which says:
positive indications permit Of the
conclusion that the extensive inunda-
ton in the region of the User has
caused great difficulties 10 the oppos-
ing troops. who have abandoned. under
the menace Of the water, q great num-
Der Of their advance works
FRENCH OFFICIAL.
The following official communication
was issued by the War Office in Paris.
In Belgium our artillery in con-
cert with the Belgian -rtillery
shelled an enemy work in the region
Of Het Sas. The work was complete
IL shattered and two munition de-
pots were blown up.
In Artois the artillery engage
nents became more pronounced IN
the course Of the day. The lombard
ment WAS violent on both sides IN
the region of Givenchy, TO the north
of the Bots en- Hache, where fighting
With large bombs likewise took place.
In the sector Of the road from Lille
our artillery successfully shelled the
enemy underground passages. In the
Craonne district patrol fighting -
our advantage is reported.
In Champagne the action con-
.inued for the possession Of the ad-
vanced trench TO the south Of Saint
Souplet. Our counteratt have
already enabled us 20 regain large
mart Of the lost section. One other
local attack. Of slight Importance, ha Z
occurred 10 the east Of the Butte de
SouAin.
The Belgian official Communication
reads: Besides effective shelling OF
enemy groups 10 the north and south
of Dixmude, our batteries bombarded
the German trenches in the direction
OF Woumen in retaliation for the en-
ployment by the enemy Of shells con
tanning irritating gases. In the sec
tor of Steenstrete our artillery CO
operated with the French batteries
in the destruction OF important
enemy esrthworks.
GERMAN OFFICIAL.
Berlin gave out this statement:
Nenr Berry-au-Bac a large mine
was successfully exploded. A Fienen
trench, with its occupants, was E
stroyed. An enemy mine position
that had been almost compile. q also
was destroyed.
East Of Auberive. in the Cham
payne. about ESQ metres OF an ad-
vsneed French trench was ihken
More than sixty men fell into our