Bisbee daily review., 1918-10-20
oBy Review Leased wire)


 WASHINGTON, Oct. 19.-The Ger. man retreat from Belgium continued today at a rate that indicated early arrival of the allied forces before the first of the enemy's series of defense lines. Reports from the fronf were of a scattering character, however. and furnished officials here with little basis for gauging the immediate stra- tegic situation. One unofficial report placed the AnglO-American advance patrols in the western edge of the forest of Normal, between Valencien- nes and Avesnes. It.this is correct the first subsidiary lfie of the enemy has already been broken.
 General March referred to this situa- tiOn today in his weekly conference saying:
 From Le Cateau northward the Bri- tish have reached but have not yet attempted to cross the German de- dense line which there follows the east bank of the Selle river up to the Sen see marshes"
 The situation along the front was in such state of flux shifting every hour with the German withdrawal gaming speed. that General March made no effort to outline the strategic possi- bilities. He did, however, call atten- tion to the fact that the withdrawal had expanded to cover practically the whole 250 mile front from the coast to the Mouse, where General Per uh fuu for arA the allied right wing.
 If the German commanders are sue cessful in bringing their great retreat to a halt on the expected defensive line, officers here believe that the en- emy cannot long remain in that posi- tion. The Anglo-American thrust al- ready appears to have fractured the keystone of the Ghent-Valenciehnes Avesnes arch at Normal forest.
 There is much speculation here, however, -as to whether the enemy will be able to stop the tide of re- treat he had started. now that it is in full swing The whole enemy line from the OiNe north is in fluid state. Observers believe it will be a difficult matter to solidify 1t again if allied pressure can keep pace with the re- treat.
 The very depth of the enemy with drawal, it is possible. may serve to give him time for this readjustment. The communication lines of the French. British and Belgian armies are rolling out again behind them in ever-extending avenues back to their 1. fhncn arteries and it takes time to repair and build railways to handle the vast supplies that must go forward every hour.
 To some officers. therefore, it seems likely that a pause will soon occur In Belgium and on the northern half of the great battle front. They are watch ing intensely, however. for hew thrust by the American and Franco American forces east and west of the Mouse who perhaps are holding the key to the whole enemy front, what ever plans for gradual withdrawal to the German frontier have been made.
 It is pointed out that while many intermediate lines have been indicat- ed as possible defense positions in the northern battle areas, all reports have agreed upon the Mezieres- Sedan Montmedy-Metz front as>the only de- fense position in the field before the French and Americans on both sides of the Mouse. Major General Liggett's American first army is already within twelve miles of that line.
 There is good reason to expect a concentration of effort to bridge this gap and come to grips with the enemy in his position of last resort. officers think. The FrancO-American opera tions are taking shape for new thrust along the Mouse and in that connection particular importance was attached today to the crossing of the Aisne and capture of the heights east and north of VOuziers by the French.
 On this front the French now stand almost at right angles to the American lines east of Grand Pre-. Wooded. hilly ground faces both armies. but a pock- citing enterprise apparently is being developed around this forest region that is blocking the movement along the Mouse. Berlin reports show fierce fighting in the depths of this pocket, the repulse of the French and Amer jeans being claimed.
 The French are approaching the Ar dennes canal line north of the forest barrier. It may be possible it was said today. that a swift pincer movement similar to that which cleared the Ar gonne pocket before. will be launched to open the road to the German main line of resistance.
 UNDATED WAR LEAD. (By the As | sociated Press. )--Allied troops on a | front of more than 120 miles from the l North sea to the Disc are pressing l closely the retiring Germans The en-