The Washington times., 1918-01-21
Taking the Initiative On All Fronts Secretary Baker Reports

Mericourt. the British had brushes
with the enemy which resulted favor
ably.
'In the neighborhood OF Lens.
Canadian detachment launched q raid
against the Germans which was
crowned with success This under
taking was carried out with the
usual Canadian dash and not only
were the Canadians able openetrate
the enemy's positions, but they held
them as long as they deemed II ex-
pedient, and only retired after In
nicting seriouS damages and taking
prisoners.
Southeast Of Armentieres the
enemy advanced against q British
outpost, but was speedily driven back.
ARTILLERY activity was noted In the
Tpres sector and enemy nre was
lively In the area south Of the Cam
brai salient
Air Raids Numerous.
aAir raids into hostile territory
were numerous, not only In the thea
ter Of operations, where German am
munitIon dumps In the region OF
RouIers and Railroads and canton
ments In Flanders proved good tar
gets. but daylight attacks by air
craft in force were carried out against
German cities. The raid on Karlsruhe
proved particularly effective.
''In the Italian theater the sue
cesses OF the preceding week have
been enlarged and extended The
italians launched successfully along
three separate sections Of the line
series Of formidable assaults, which
resulted in q decided advantage for
their forces engaged.
HThe nrst attack was made east of
Cape Silo, In the Piave delta, which
brought about q material extension
Of the Italians OF the Italian bridge
head along the lower Piave.
THE second, the region between the
Monte Tamba and the Monte Solarole'
was q practical gain Of positive value
In that 1t greatly strengthened the
Italiana dispositions In this area
'sThe third, and by far the most
important undertaking, resulted in
bringing aobut a ratification of 1tal-
ian dispositions in the Monte Aselene
sector which rendered secure trench
elements heretofore not devoid OF
serious weakness
Flank Menaees Removed
This last achievement must be
looked upon as of ESSENTIAL sig
0lUCaQCo IN IuAI IL has ACAAONSN NA-~
menace Of the enemy being able to
turn the italian flank in the region
Of the Monte Grappa- The only re-
action on the part Of the enemy
too place IN the Piave delta where the
Austrians attempted to regain the
ground lost east to Cape Sile. The
enemy was driven back without gain
ing any Of his objectives and suffered
severe casualties. 1t would seem that
II Is now clear that the pressure OF
the Austrians in this area has been
materially lesseRed.
ARTILLERY was intermittently active
along the entire front and the British
batteries rendered good service IN the
Montello sector.
the ayiators. Numerous hostile air
raids took place, directed against va
rious centers in the Venetian plain
close to the fighting area
The enemy was busy bombing un-
defended Italian towns. Patua and
Treyiso were attacked in broad day
light, and numerous encounters be-
tween Austrian and Italian alrmen
were recorded
'SThe Italians, in turn, were busy
breaking up hostile working parties
and harassing centers of military &C
tiVity.
ain Russia, a deadlock in the peace
negotiations of Brest-Litovsk has
again been reported. The British
forces were active in the Palestine
theater. General Allenby has strength
ened his defensive positions and ex-
tended his lines
Frequent patrol encounters are
noted. The enemy Is cleared out OF
villages north OF Jerusalem and a
frmer hold on the Holy City is thus
assured"