The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1917-09-18

Washington, Sept. 1S--American military experts do not expect the Entente Allies to make any vigorous attempt to break throl- h Germany s western line within the snext5 few months. As the fall campaign draws to an end they expect to see the win ter pass without much action. When spring comes they expect to ind the western line in approximately the same condition that 1t is today.
 Their attention has been diverted to Russia temporarily, where they fear catastrophe is impending. and to the Italian front, where they hope that a victory of almost vital import ance may be won over the Austrians before winter closes in.
 ''The early spring drive satisfied the Allies that a complete victory could not be had this year, said one of the most skilled strategists.
 ..During the first few days of the drive it appeared as if the French and British might drive enough wedges into the German line to break 1t, but if soon became evident that victory on a great scale could not be expect ed because Gernany's strength had not been sapped
 .There is no doubt that the Allies might have gained more ground, but the cost was too great. so they held what they took and put an end to the offensive temporarily,
 "The last British drive in Flanders was never intended as the beginning of the final push. It was mercy a strategical move, which is expected to have very great effects upon the war during the next year
 .'Germany was budged out or a number of minor positions which con stantly jeopardized the Allies plans. Tbe word minor is usad in reference to the entire line. It does not mean that the positi4ns were not well worth taking at the Cost involved.
 . GAS result of these attacks. the Allies have now shaped the line to suit the plans which have been made for the great offensive next year and (which we hope may end the war. Un- til then there is little doubt that the Allies can hold the line just as it is unless Germany desires to sacrifice tremendous mum bers in retaking these lpositions.
 "It would be altogether improper to tgo into the details of the plans which have been worked out and upon which the Allies have been operating during 1.-the last few weeks. It is perfectly proper, however to say that the Al lies will not inaugurate great drive between now and next spring witt the hope of destroying Germany s ma chine.
 .aThe fact is known to Germany .anc Ito every military observer. The Kaiser l knows that the Allies have not now the strength to break his lines and ar
 attempt to do so, carried out on . great scale, would simply result 1T tremendous losses to the standing
 forces.
 ITO my mind nothing would be more
 acceptable to the Kaiser than a grea Idrive all along the lines at this. time It would give him his final hope O lvictory because it would expose th' bAflies to tremendous losses before the, had the assistance from this countr. l necessary to win the war.
 If Russia stampedes. the Allie lmay decide upon another genera
 drive in order to force the German to give up their pursuit, of the Rus sian armies. Also if the. Kaiser at terpts to switch large numbers O
 troops to the Austrian lines to breal down the Italian offensive the Allie ] may decide to take action that wo1lt irrperil the German lines and thereb, force the return of the troops from tn Itslian border.
 "These arc merely side issues. how eyer, seeause the war must be wol
 and will he won on the western front There can be no real victory until tn T1a:esers armies in France are beate land dernora1ized
 "The ouestion arises constantly AWhen will the big final drive come