Evening star., 1917-10-29
IMPORTANT MOVES
IN WAR IMPENDING
In Official Review Secretary
Baker ForeshadoWs Signifi-
cant Developments.
U. S. TROOPS ON FIRING LINE

Important developments are impend-
ing in the great war, Secretary Baker
indicates in his official review of last
weeks operations on all fronts, which
concludes with the briess statement that
certain units of the American forces IN
France have taken their places on the
battle front to complete their training
This is the War Departments first men
tion of the fact that Gen. Pershing's
men are on the firing line.
Activity on Every Front.
1t is the wave of activity during the
week on nearly every front, however.
that caught the Secretary's attention.
Significant operations are in progress,
he says. both east and west, on the
Italian fronts. in Macedonia, Rumania,
Mesopotamia and even in East Africa
On the western front, he adds. new
strategic retreat of the German forces
appears to be the next move expected,
and they must move back under crit
ical circumstances from between the
two wedges. those of Flanders and the
Aisne, which have been driven relent-
and the French.
Italy is passing through difficult
moment. Mr.. Baker says The Austro-
German drive is being pressed forward
by imposing forces. But once before
Italy stcmmed the tide of an Austrian
for the defenders. lie points out. and
hurled thc/enemy back with only a
taste of victory during the first days
OF his terrific onslaught Winter is
now coming to the aid of the Italians.
Secretary Bakers Review.
The Secretary's review follows:
Renewed activity prevails in all
theaters of war.
Important developments would ap-
pear to be impending.
Along the western, eastern and 1tal-
ian fronts, in Macedonia. Rumania.
Mesopotamia. and even in East Africa,
significant operations are in progress.
'sThe two outstanding features of the
situation of the week are the relent-
less British offensive in the Ypres sali-
ent, resulting in substantial gains of
terrain of important strategic value.
and the sudden we'll aimed and sus-
tained thrust of the French north of
the Aisne-
TT is evident that the allied drives
along the western front are broadening
in scope and intensity. The whole front,
from the Houthu1st wood, through the
PaSschendaele ridge, southwark to
Lens and on to the Aisne. is becoming
the scene of increasingly heavy allied
pressure. which the enemy Is with
standing with difficulty.
side by side the French and British
are pushing on through the Flemish
lowlands toward Roulers.
h11s y<rt,k Ry,3
a rift in the other wide impregnable al
lied line at the point of junction be-
tween the Franco-British forces. direct
ed heavy counter attacks in this seq
ment. These were repulsed.
Maneuvering for Advantage.
while the British attacks during the
past week have been carried out with
imposing electives, it is apparent that
the British command Is maneuvering in
order to gain important tactical advan-
tages at minimum cost.
THE casualties to the enemy are ris-
ing steadily.
SLOWLY the allies are enlarging their
gains in Flanders. driving into the
heart of German resistance in the west.
THE German armies fight on stub
hornly. If any further evidence of al
lied superiority be needed. it seems to
be supplied by the decisive successes
won by the French during the past
weer.
This offensive was launched on
siNLr1iie front near the west end of the
Chemin des Danes at dawn October 23
Cen Petain SO well masked his
Preparations that the enemy was taken
by surprise as to the exact terrain
chosen for the attack and was over
whelmed before being able to organize
a concentrated resistance.
The German lines were penetrated
to a depth OF well over two miles at
one point.
Crowned With Full Success.