Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-04-01
HUNLEADERS ARE
EAGER TO LEARN
ABOUT U.S.ARMY
Teuton Soldiers Instructed to
Obtain All Possible Infor-
nation About SammeeS
By Associated Press

With tho American Army I'm
France, Sunday, March S1.-German
army leaders are exceedingly anX-
ious to obtain information concerning
the most minute details of the Amer
lean Army. This is disclosed by a
captured German document issued TO
the Fifth Bavarian Landwehr infan-
try brigade and which instructs ev-
cry observer and patrol to do his or
its best "to bring in information
about the new enemy" The results
obtained are to be added to official
reports.
The captured document starts out
by giving details that are known.
such as those regarding the Amer
ican uniform, and adds that the in
fantry is equipped partly with Eng
lish rifles and that the artillery
probably has French guns. 1t says
American troops still continue train
ing in France. adding:
Nothing known of Methods
Nothing is known as yet about
the methods of fighting or leader
ship"
From the preceding meager de-
tails" it continues, sit is evident that
sectors X and NJ have the honorable
task of obtaining as much informa-
lures of American fighting and out
post tactics. This VIII then be used
for extending the Information bulle-
tin. Any observation or identifica-
tion, however insignificant, may be of
the greatest value in connection with
the information at hand"
Attention then is drawn to self
evident questions" which observers.
patrols and outposts are expected to
find answers for. Under the heading,
THE Enemy's Security" the docu-
ment says:
Are sentry posts sentry posts or
stronger posts? Further advanced
accommodating patrols? Manner of
challenging? Behavior on post dur
ing day and night? Vigilance? Am
bush tactics and cunning?
do they shoot and signal on ev-
cry occasion? Do the posts hold
their ground on the approach of a
patrol or do they fall back? Do they
give barrage fire signals? When are
the reliefs and what is the behavior
during them? Have they any light
signals other than French ones?"
"Enemy Patrols"
Under ENEMY Patrols" the docu-
ment asks details on strength,
methods of advance, behavior on
meeting and initiative" These ques-
tions come under information on gem
eral behavior:
Are the Americans careful and
cautious? Are they careful or noisy d?
What is their behavior during smoke
screens? What is their behavior at
meal times? When are these? Can
concentration be observed? Is there
much accommodating? How is the
behavior day and night? Is there
much gun firing? II there is more
or less transport OF material than
formerly2"
The Germans also want to know
whether during reliefs there are
more troops in the rear than Is GUS
tomary with the French and what
are the times and sounds of reliefs.
chine gun bullets, uneXploded shells
md shell splinters are of special val
Ue. The Germans want to know
whether the copper rotating bands
lave sharp inclsions, indicating new
or worn-out guns, the caliber of
which can be determined by the
curvature of the splinter according
Ia the document.
Wide Information Desired
Information regarding the color
and outside appearance of proJectiles
HIeu Dy tne americans also Is ue-
sired The German soldiers are or
dered to keep fuses. splinters of
shells and shell bases having factory
initials and numbers. Under the
heading, Enemy Shelling." they are
asked the American peculiarities
compared with the French, what OBJ
Jectives are preferred and whether
dugouts are shelled. The document
asks also that it be determined
whether the Americans employ bursts
of fire or single shots at fixed in
tervals and what Is the normal firing
rate when observation Is good.
Many of the above items while ap-
parently trivial. it is pointed out by
intelligence officers, indicate why the
censorship has been obliged to delete
certain matter from press dis
patches, Since the captured docu-
ment was issued the Germans nat
urally have found answers to many
of the questions, but about the Others
the American eNpeditionary force be-
lleves 1t still has the enemy guess
ing.