Albuquerque morning journal. [volume] (Albuquerque, N.M.) 1903-1926, 1918-01-01

Washington, Dec. 3l.--What the be-
,inning of the new year finds at the
'attle fronts is outlined by Secretary
Baker in his weekly review of military
operations issued tonight In the
vest he says, the British dominate
he Flanders plain with a great wedge
nto the principal German line of de-
ense at Cambria. while the French.
With their own lines unbroken, hold
he key to the Laon area through the
'apture of Chemin des Danes.
Italy Holds Firm.
Italy, supported by the allies, is hold
ng firm while the enemy after bat
ering in vain for six weeks against
he defenders Is busy preparing for a
'enewed offensive,
OF Russia the review merely says
he Germans are endeavoring to per-
uade that country that they are eager
o assist in restoring normal condi-
ions and that the German embassy
at Petrograd is being made
'eady for occupancy
While the operation of American
roops at the front has been confined
o narrow limits, the secretary says
heir presence has heartened the al
les and increased faith in final vic
.ory.
The review follows in part:
As Baker Sees It,
THE military situation at the be-
ginning of the new year is as follows:
in the west the British in the
Ypres salient occupy the high ground
IF the Passchendaele ridge and DOM
nate the Flanders plain.
Their wedge in front of Cambria
has ripped a great gap in the prin-
'ipal German line of defense.
THE effort before Cambria proved
hat the German defensive positions
,ould be taken. Though not all of the
inc was taken, early successes by the
enemy have been overshadowed and
he action resulted in one of the
worst disasters to the German arms
since the Marne.
French Dominate Laon.
THE French by the capture of
Ghemin des Danes. have secured the
key to the I4aon area.
"Detachments of our own forces
have engaged the enemy. While their
operations have been confined to mar
row limits the presence of American
troops in the firing-line has heartened
the allies to continue the struggle
with increased faith in final victory.
During the period under review
The combat situation remained un-
changed.
Reports of the concentration of
hostile troops masses in the west con-
tinue to be received.
"As far as military operations in
the west are concerned, no events of
more than minor importance are re-
ported. The Germans have been busy
re rc-grouping their forces.
I'm the Italian theater the enemy
is continuing his persistent offensive
IN the mountain area.
THE Italians have held firm and
reaped the advantage of the success
gained last week when they captured
the valuable strategic terrain in the
vicinity of the Monte Asolone.
May Turn the Tables.
The Austro-Germans in the region
Of the Monte Asolone have been busy
their tactical dispositions
and making further preparations for
q renewed offensive,
'The Austro Hungarian general
staff seem to fear that without full
German support it would not be a diff
ficult problem for the Italians, strong
ly reinforced by French and British
divisions, to turn the tables on their
invaders.
eve are now entering upon the
third month of the battle for the
mastery of Venetia. Since November
9 the enemy has been held up along
the Piave During the past six wee6s
no really decisive success has ,een
gained by the invaders, They have
battered in vain against the stauneh
resistance of the Italians.
Opportunist Plan.
Reviewing the situation, it is re-
vealed that the first German successes
in Italy far exceeded their most SAN
guine hopes. When they became
deeply involved in the Italian cam
paign they had no real broad plan Of
invasion. The local advantages won
by Austro- German strategy wers en-
panded from day 10 day. Us tarr'ers