Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-17

WASHINGTON, December 16--Scc-
rotary. Baker. in his weekly review.
ssys there Is nothing except German
boasts to Indicate that the initiative
In the west has passed from tho en-
tente 10 the Teuton.
The review is as follows:
During the period Of tho review the
general military situation in the west.
has remained unchanged.
"Rumors OF great preparations on
the part OF the Germans. with q view
of achieving some major strategic sue
cess in the west. continue to reach us.
REPORTS of masscd hostile conccn-
trations in those sectors where the en-
envy, proposes TO break through the
French front and roll back. the allied
limo on broad scale arc numerous.
.'Thc German higher command seeks
peace through victory. The enemy is
apparently very eager to have us be-
lievc that he is about to win sucn "A
victory.
mo element in the military situation
should lead US to conclude that the
initiative in the west has passed from
the allies to the enemy.
NO LASTING STRATEGIC
ADVANTAGE TO nOCHES
"For the past two years the Ger
mans have been on the defensive in
the west. Tho bold advertising of an
imposing offensive on the part OF the
enemy, which. whilo in the realm of
possibility and therefore should not
be neglected or overlooked. must in
no wise be interpreted to mean that
the increased strength Of the hostile
forces will result in any permanent
strategic advantage 10 the Germans
surveying the outlines Of the gen.
eral war strategy on all fronts, wo
find that both bciliserents have been
on the offensive during the past six
months.
The central powers nave taken tie
initiative in the eastern and Italian
thcaters; the allies. along the major
front in the west. in Palestine. Mnsopo.
tan,ia and East Africa
The enemy has confined his efforts
to advancing his lines along tho Rus
sian front. resulting in tho capture o..
riga. and then b. vcll-conductcd Of
'enSiVe In Italy. with the assistance ot
an Intensive political drive. gained a
married strategic success in this soc.or
The allies IN the principal theater
OF operations. the west, have been abIo
to record an ulmos: unintcrruntcd
series OF tactical advantages. am, >,
spite of the concentration of nre-
ponderant majority Of the most eff
cient German divisions. have gained
considerable terrain and taken a larr.
quota OF prisoners
In the outlying areas of Mesopo-
tamia and Palestine the British have
driven the enemy before them. and
their offensive eliminated during the
week in the capture Of Jerusalem.
FALL Oh JERUSALEM
AFFECTS TURKS GREATLY
Although the capture of the Holy
I'F cannot be held p principal mill
tarE objective OF the campaign so Wig
orousiy pursued by General Allenby in
this theatcr. the conquest of Jerusalem
viii have wide influence Throughout,
the Turkish empire.
The Turkish forces have been un-
able to contain the victorious advance
OF the British. and Jerusalem fell into
their hands after a brief encounter.
The results achieved by the British
forces in Palestine are of significant
Importance. and will go far towards
reanlrmins the prestige of the allied
powers throughout the Orient.
Germany realizes the danger at
tendant upon the waning Of her in
huencc In the East. and WILL there
fore. be more anxious than ever to
CONCLUDE speedy peace before the
war map becomes less favorable.
In the west, engagements OF in
ereasinC scope and intensity took place.
Fighting OF local character occurred
In the Cambrai area. and the enemy