The Topeka state journal. [volume] (Topeka, Kansas) 1892-1980, 1918-06-01
DRIVE NEARS END.
Even German Critics Fear for
Future Success.
Still Serious, Say French, but
Situation Better.
EncH Still IIeEe STRATEGY
'FOCH STILL USES STRATEGY
Has Not Been Trapped Into
Weakening Amiens.
German Plan To Entice Re.
serves In Has Failed.

Amsterdam. June 1.-The Nord
Deutsche Allegemeine Zeitung says
that it is Increasingly apparent that
the crown princes advance is not a
new attack but systematic continual
ton of the previous offensive. Con-
tinuing. it says that thanks to COM
munications in the region south OF
Chauny, which were secured in April.
the new region Of attack is already
beginning organically to grow. together
with the big wedge driven towards
Amiens.
There are'tremendous tactical and
operative possibilities in the strategic
positions now won" the article says
in conclusion Meanwhile now as
before. General Foch's army stands in
the region north of Amiens. There
the entente awaits in certainty re-
vivaf of our offensive"
Communication Are Bad.
The military correspondent of the
Hamburger Nachrichten points out
that further developments will mainly
be. influenced by two factors. Firstly,
he says, the increased effect OF the
French reserves must be reckoned on
because General 'Foch had oppor-
tunity to bring up even remote troops,
and secondly that there are local diff
main roads and railway communica-
ton from north to south to connect
previous bases with the foremost posi-
tions already reached.
The existing communications. he
points out follow the courses of the
river valley running from east to
west, and until the rear communica-
lions are covered and supplies are as
sured, the offensive cannot be con-.
tinued relentlessly at the same pace as
heretofore.
Paris, June 1.-The military critics,
SAYS Havas agency review today, still
view the situation as serious but con-
slider the signs Increasingly reassurlng.
The most important development is re-
warded as the enemy's attempt to ad-
vance westward and push toward
Paris, thus 1t is considered, revealing
his strategic intentions unmistakably.
In the first shock of this new rush.
it is pointed out the allies were obliged
to- give ground in some places. but
they held their own on the Aisne and
the OurcQ and their vigorous counter
attacks are considered a prelude to
the stoppage of the enemy advance.
With some the most important part
Of the battle field is that with Noyon
or the region to the south OF it, on
the one end. and the district north Of
Chateau Thierry on the Marine on the
other. 1t is here that the German
rush toward Paris demands undivided
attention.
Enemy Trap Hasn't Worked. y
! The newspaper. .LHomme Libre,
Premier Clemenceau's organ. is op-
timistic today over the situation. 1t
points out that the enemy plan to
draw the allies toward the south and
to push on westward only met with
success as far as the first part of it
was concerned. The remainder of the
plan is being completely defeated, it
declares. and e-erything gives reason
to believe the enemy will be totally
blocked.
There was much satisfaction evinced
yesterday in the lobby of the deputies
over the information given the mem
bers of the army control delegates.
The particulars cannot be published,
as they have to do with the move
ments of troops, but the delegates en-
phasized the excellent impression that
had been made upon them by the con-
fident spirit among the poilus of the
reserve divisions which are destined
to fall upon the invaders.
In greeting a delegation of Social
list deputies, Premier Clemenceau
voiced bis confidence in the issue of
| the present operations. He gave the
deputies details which made an excel
lent impr sssion.
| Premier Clemenceau in his capac-
ity of war minister has issued an or
der suspending until further notice all
furlos and leaves of absence in the
army.