The Chattanooga news. [volume] (Chattanooga, Tenn.) 1891-1939, 1918-05-13

Washington, May 13.-The de-
cision not to use the american
army in France until Il has been
built up 10 PROPORTIONS Of a com.
pIete and mighty force, first dis
closed to the public In last nights
dispatches from Ottawa, based on
advices from the war committee
Of the British cabinet, follows
long period Of consideration be-
tween two schools OF military
strategists, which have been con-
tending ever since the German
drive BEGAN, as to tire most effec-
tive manner to use the American
forces.
From the best information that car
be gathered here, one school OF STRAIT
egy has contended for using the
American forces in the battle line as
fast as they arrive and for conducting
a continuous counter offensive with
the hope OF ending the war in 1918.
The other, 1t is understood, has IA
vored using the American forces very
little, holding it back until fully or
ganized, with all the necessary conk
plements of heavy artillery. aircraft
and other appurtenances, and then
striking a mighty blow in conjunc-
ton with the British and French,
and bring decision.
Discussed at Versailles.
There were no official expressions
available on the subject today. the
knowledge that such a plan was be-
ing considered has been very closely
held by the few who have known NJ.
It is certain that it has been the SUP
ject of exchanges between the Ameri-
l~y Il FnItY1
and undoubtedly has been DISCUSSED
at Versailles. Those who are most
familiar with the subject are of the
opinion that the decision arrived at
probably agrees more with the views
of the British strategists than 1t does
with the French, although the views
Of Gen. Foch have not been fully dis
closed here by the officials who are
cognizant of them.
There is Just an indication that the
difference Of opinion between the two
schools of strategists might have had
n reflection in the recent British
crisis, in which Gen. Maurice, differ
ing with Premier Lloyd George, made
a public announcement which led to
his retirement. There is, however,
nothing more than a chain of circum-
stances to support this view. and for
military reasons it may not be pur-
sued for a full discussion.
RedoubIe Efforts.
The one thing that seems certain
however, is that the business OF rush.
ing American troops TO Europe will be
pressed rather than retarded and that
there will be a redoubling OF EFFORT TO
eauip them with all the -ecessary
heavy artillery and other engines OF
war to quickly bring the fun strength
of a great army to the battle front.
Some officials, in touch with the
progress OF the draft have recently
predicted that every available man IN
class | would be called to sthe colors
during the summer. Roughly. thls
means more than 100000, In addi-
ton to more than 100000. who. at
the present rate of progress. either
will be in France. in camp in TINS
country, or under orders to move to
on May ls. the first an
niversary OF the passage of the draft
law.
Confidence Gratifying.
The confidence of the British. mill
tary authorities thar they can hold
their line until American aid arrives
in full force, or at least ex; { such ]
heavy toll Of German life IN falling
back. that the actual advantage al ,
vavs will be with the allied armies. is |
very gratifying TO military experts ]
here. Some Of them are not in full |
accord with tho reported rev plan Of |
making practically no use OF the i
army until II reaches its
full strength