Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1917-12-25
Q. S, ARMIES CONSTITUTE
RESERVES OF VICTORY
Soon VIII Form Principal Body Of
Fresh Strategic Forces OH
European Fields.
BAKERS REVIEW or WEEK
Ger1nany's Newest Peace Propagan-
da Should Not for Moment In
duce Us To Sluckcn Our Prcpcra-
tions for War, Secretary Declares.
Rv Associated rre,s.l

Inv Associated FreSsl
WASHINGTON, December 2f.--Gcr-
many's newest peace propaEan da.
viewed as a forcrunncr 10 an offensive
in tho west. unlcs. German made
peace is accepted by the allies. and the
United states. should not for mo-
mcnt induce us TO slackea our prep
arations for war" says Secretary
Baker to-day in his weekly review OF
the military situation.
1.-The Germans realize" continues tho
statement Chat within a short time
our armies will form the principal body
OF fresh strategic reserves remaining
available on the battle fields OF Eu-
rope.
"our armies constitute the reserves
OF victory"
The review points out that the fight
ing morale of Italy may be relied upon
no matter how intensive the German
peace campaign becomes. and says:
"The Italian thcater once again is
the scene of important military ac-
tivity
The enemy. impa tient OF the delays
which have occurred in bringing about
the successful penetration of tho
Italian plain and the overthrow OF the
Italian armies, has dispatched further
forces to the Italian front, with a view
to achieving q decisive result
THE Germans arc cndcavoring to
follow the prccepts OF classic strategy
and by successful envcloping move
Iucnt TO effect the destruction of the
Italian and allied forces.
1T would appear that they are anx.
ious to conclude their Italian advcn-
ture in a manner similar TO the previous
campaigns of Russia. Serbia and Rou.
mania, where as a result Of tho Stratc-
Sic developments gained at relatively
small cost vast tracts OF territory
were conquered
Enemy pressure continues intense
along the entire front.
HOPE TO DRIVE ITALIANS
BACK TO THE ADIGE
The Germans hope to drive the
Italians back 10 the Adige, anticipate
ing that such a reverse would have
very disintcGratinG influence through
out Italy.
1T is apparent that the Germans
have not given up all hope OF bring
ing about a social upheaval in Italy.
as they did in Russia, after their VIC
torious campaigns of 1915.
no matter how intensive this new
subvcrsive propaganda may be, never
thelcss, we can confidently rely on the
hghting morale OF the Italian people.
Along the western front the enemy
has continued his harassinE raids with
"A view to keeping the allied forces on
the alert. However, none of the en-
EaEcmcn;s recorded in the west wcre
OF more than local Importance. :.
1T would appear that as a fore
runner to tho German offensive. her
aided to be launched in tho west, an
intensive peace propaganda is to be
initiated.
Careful examination OF the situa-
ton reveals that the enemy is again
preparing to sue for peace before vic.
tory
Information from various source.
confirms the reports that the Germans
would have the world believe that the
military situation is such that they are
able 10 dictate the terms of peace
They, therefore. threaten that unless
this dictated peace is accepted by the
allied powers and ourselves, the Ger
man forces now being concentrated
on the western front will break
through the allied line in the west
The various reports or Immediate
peace proposals by the Germans on
seemingly favorable terms should not
for momepl. induce us TO s,ackcn our
PREPARATIONS Tar war.
1T is only necessary for us 10 re-
call that during the Christmas season
OF last year the Germans put forth
very similar peace rumors.
In considering the general military
situation in its true light. It must be
understood that the Germans realize
that within short time our armies
viii form the principal body OF fresh
strategic reserves remaining available
for action on the battle fields Of
Europe.
ut is our duty. therefore in looking
TO tho future. TO realize that If we
are 10 fulfill the pledge we made on
entering the war. IL we are TO fight
this war 70 a successful conclusion. We
must assume the full rcsponsibility
which rests upon us. We are the
freshest in the struggle: We have the
reserve man power and the reserve
mechanical power.
Our armies constitute the reserves
OF victory
I'm Russia the armis,ice ncgo,ia.
tions having been concluded.
Reports Of the dissatisfaction OF a
nj MI ~