Evening star., 1918-08-22
Further Success in Picardy.

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It is now acknowledged in Paris
that if the German high command had
pressed its attacks upon the allied lines
unremittingly in March and April it
would have scored victory that might
easily have proved decisive. The Ger
man forces, gaining first in Picardy
and then in Flanders, all but broke
the allied lines. But they rested be-
tween the second and third offensives,
giving the French and British time to
recuperate. Their third offensive at
the Aisne gave them a large gain of
ground which was especially danger
ous, as it brought them within striking
distance of Paris. Their failure, how
ever, to move quickly permitted two
accomplishments by the allies, the uni
fcation of command under Gen. Foch
and the large reinforcement Of the
armies under him by American troops.
By the time the Germans were ready
for the next major offensive, to en-
circle Rheims, The allied command was
unified and reinforced and was in
position to take the initiative. The
German opportunity had passed.
This is the stranger now in retro
spection because despite all the pre-
tense of indifference to the American
reinforcements the German high COM
mand actually knew that the Ameri-
can troops were to become serious
factor and that haste, to anticipate the
arrival of large forces from this coun-
try, was imperative. The time at which
the Germans struck their first great
blow, March 81, was proof of this real
ization. The season was not propi-
tious for a continuous following
movement. But between the disadvan-
tage of the climate and that of steady
Strengthening of the allied forces from
America the Germans had to choose the
former.
General Foch's strategy is plainly
based upon the German error of the
spring. He proposes to give the Ger
man high command no chance for re-
organization His blows are unremit-
ting and persistent. Continuous pres
sure is being exerted all the way from
scissors to Ypres, the vital portion
of the western line. In its moral ef-
feet upon the enemy this plan of cam
paign is more successful than a spas
modic series of advances over larger
areas, such as those scored by the Ger
mans in the spring. Compelled to fall
back almost daily over ground pre-
viously gained by them, the German
troops cannot fail to be disheartened
by the series of reverses they are now
suffering. Nor is it merely the losing
Of frontal positions that tells upon
their nerves and spirit. They are con-
tinually being outfanked and menaced
with development.
Lassigny taken, Noyon approached
within two miles, the French lines ad-
vanced to the east Of Noyon so far as
to bring Chauny, the nearest railroad
center, under fire Of middle-range ar
'tillery, while Coucy-le- Chateau, which
has been an important concentration
point, is directly menaced, the Ger
man situation in Picardy becomes dis
tinetly grave. If the pressure from
the south by the French and from the
northwest between Albert and Arras
by the British is maintained for few
, more hours the general reaignment
for which Foch has been moving must
be hurriedly undertaken, and in cir
eumstances Of very great difficulty.
,, Tho loss Of Noyon, Chauny and
! Coucy-le- Chateau would leave only La
Fere as possible pivot Of holding
line.
Cen Won Boehn is presumably ap-
plying his celebrated retreat tactics to
the Picardy situation. Certainly Mar
shal Foch is giving him an exceptional
opportunity to demonstrate his ability
rs master of retrograde movements.