Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1917-10-30
Secretary Bakers Weekly Re-
view of War Explains Mill
tary Movements of French
and BRITISH on Western Line

WASHINGTON, Oct. 29.-While pre-
dieting another strategic retreat by the
Germans on the west front, Secretary
Of War Bakers weekly war review to-
day admits that Italy IS passin g
through a difficult moment"
No indication is given as to what the
allied war chiefs may do to relieve the
gigantic pressure of Hun hordes sweep
ing over the plans Of Italy in an obvious
effort to register a great military coup.
Bakers report apparently was prepared
before the Austro-German thrust as
sumed its present critical proportions.
1t outlines as the foremost DEVELOPMENTS
Of the week the British and French ad-
vances on the west front.
holdings now.
The secretary's review follows:
Renewed activity prevails in all
theaters of war.
important developments would
appear to be impending.
along the western, eastern and
Italian fronts, in Macedonia, Ru-
mania, Mesopotamia and even in
East Africa, significant operations
are in progress.
1.-The two outstanding features or
the situation Of the week are the
relentless British offensive in the
l
tial gains of terrain of important
strategic value, and the sudden
well-aimed and sustained thrust or
the French north of the Aisne.
TT is evident that the allied drives
along the western front are broad
ening in scope and intensity. The
whole front from the Houtholst
wood. through the Passchendaele
ridge, southwark to Lens, and on
the Aisne, is becoming the scene or
increasingly heavy allied pressure,
which the enemy is withstanding
with difficulty.
side by side the French and
British are pushing on through the
Flemish lowlands towards Roulers.
THE enemy, believing he might
find a rift in the otherwise impreg-
nable allied line at the point of
junction between the Franco-British
forces, directed repeated heavy
| counter attacks in this segment
| These were repulSed.
while the British attacks dur
ing the past week have been car
ried out with imposing electives
| Il is apparent that the British. COM
mand is maneuvering in order to
gain important tactical advantages
! at a minimum cost
| "The casualties to the enemy are
rising steadily.
! SLOWLY the allies are enlarging
| their gains in Flanders, driving into
| the heart of German resistance In
the west.
'nThe German armies fight on
stubbornly II any further evidence
of allied superiority be needed, 1t
( seems 70 be supplied by the decisive
/ successes won by the French during
the past week.
This offensive was launched on
/ a six-mile front near the west end
of the Chemin des Danes at dawn
on October 90
| General Petain so we'll masked
his preparedness that the enemy
! was taken by surprise as to the
! exact terrain chosen for the attack.
and was overwhelmed before being
able to organize a concentrated re-
sistance.
'The German lines were pene-
trated to a depth of well over two
miles at one point.
"This first attack was immedf-
atelv followed by a second assault in
This same sector, crowned with full
! success.
"In three days fighting, the Freneb
have taken 1900 prisoners, 100
guns of large caliher and a great
| ouantftv Of other booty not yet emu
merated
"The possession of the captured
fort Of Malmaison, the key to the
entite ridge, and the villages be-
yond now makes 1T possible for the
| French to enfilade the German po-