Bisbee daily review., 1917-09-27
ASCENDANCY
IN West LIES
With ALLIES
SAYS BAKER
Secretary of War Baker Is,
sues First of American Of
ficial Statements Dealing
With Great European War.
CBy Review Leased wire.J

American governments first official
statement concerning military opera
tions in Europe was issued by Secre-
tary Baker, inauguratins a series
which in time will be devoted largely
to activities of the United States ex-
peditionary forces. II says that while
ascendancy on the western front has
passed definitely to the allies, they
are content merely to wear down the
enemy until the force of the Ameri-
can army makes itself felt in the
field.
Operations for the week ending Sep
tember % are reviewed by Mr.. Baker
without reference 10 the American
force now in France. The statement
says:
THE secretary of war authorizes
the foreign statement dealing with
military activities in Europe for the
week ending September %:
Enemy at Disadvantage
"As the time draws near when mill.
tary operations on large scale on
I the western force must come to a
standstill. owing to the approach of
winter, il becomes evident that the
enemy does not feel himself in a po-
sition to undertake the much-adver-
/ tised offensive action so often boast
ed of at home during during the past
summer, in order TO end the war vic
toriously by Christmas.
Tactics Of Attrtion
"It may be stated affirmatively that
the ascendancy in the west has passed
definitely TO the allies, although the
latter are content by tactics of attri-
ton to wear down the emmy. giving
no rest or respite until such a time
as the force of our army may make
itself felt in the field.
"The week just closed has been one
of increased activity on the part of
the allies on the western front, and
may be taken as a presage of what
the enemy is to expect next spring.
British Artillery
Beginning with desultory artillery
fire along a broad front. which grad
ually narrowed down to an intense
bombardment along what is known as
the AnZac ridge, about one mile south
west of Zonnebeke, southwark through
Nuns dood to the Ypres- Menin road,
the British increased their artillery
preparations to a density hitherto un-
attained.
THE early days of the week were
marked by wet, foggy weather. making
artillery observation difficult and any
offensive undertaking almost impOssi-
BILE.
Weather Clears
The weather having cleared by
Thursday, September 20, the British
launched their attack. The infantry
attack was preceded by a barrage of
greater depth and intensity than has
ever before been undertaken in any
engagement during the course OF the
war. Five distinct curtains of fire.
were stretched ahead of the men as
they began to advance through No
Mans Land.
"In spite of the desperate resist
ance of the enemy. whose lines were
protected by concrete dugouts scat
tered over a wide area and deep mud
holes which impeded the attacking
infantry, the British we're able to gain
important tactical positions.
Remain in Control
''In the face of six counter-attacks
pushed home vigorously by the enc
my, the British remained in full pos
session of the captured objectives,
which they still hole.
In other sectors of the western
front there have been trench raids
on large scale and general activity
of some importance.
Germans Unsuccessful
while the British were busily en-
gagged in breaking down the enemy
resistance in FiaIG, RS, the Germans
attempted minor diversions along the
French line. particularly northeast oil
Nancy, which were unsuccessful.
"Eas. of Craonne he French artu-
Ter, broke up an attempted German
attack. while French detachmchts
penetrated German trenches, destroy
ed dugouts and brought back prison
ers in the region of Godat.
Great Air Activity
"The week has witnessed great ac-