Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-05-29
PERSH|NG'S SF0RCE
GAINS SUCCESSES

Reports of successful operations by
American soldiers are coming to the
War Department. Secretary Baker
said today. Details of the action are
expected in the regular official COM
muniques from Gen. Pershing.
The Secretary made this statement
when asked to comment on the situa-
tion in Europe.
Il cannot comment on the general
situation" he said. I'VE are constant
" receiving reports of splendid valor
and successful operations by our
American soldiers. and l am very
proud of the part they are now play
appear in the communicates from Gen
Pershing."
!, Rspulse Two Patrol Attacks.
In addition to Gen. Pershing's COM
munique for yesterday given out by
the War Department today. there was
a report that two German patrol at
tacks on May 26 and 81 were repulsed
by American troops. Lieut.. Ricken-
hacker and Lieut.. Campbell, Ameri-
can airmen. downed one enemy ma
chine while fighting six.
Gen. Pershing cited an American
sergeant who drove of an enemy
patrol OF four although wounded.
Praise for Troops.
tn1
themselves well. officers here feel, in
their first offensive against the Ger
man lines in Picardy. Press advices
indicate that the attack on CantiGny.
which resulted in the capture of that
village by an American regiment, was
delivered with speed and precision.
testifying> to the hard-hitting quality
of the Americans.
The quick consolidation of thS
ground won, noted by foreign as we'll
as American correspondents in glow
ing terms. gives satisfactory proof of
the Quickness with which American
officers and men have taken to the
modern war game.
Forecasts Allied Offensive.
Incidentally. some officers believe
the American attack may forecast the
launching Of counter offensive of
large scope by Gen. Foch, supreme
commander. The time and place of
cisely right for a feeling out thrust
as a preliminary to counter assault
in force.
The American rush. undoubtedly of
a local character primarily, may be
followed up by major operations. it
is thought. as the result seemed to
indicate that the situation in the Ger
man lines is favorable. officers ad-
mitted. however. that long distant
plans of stretegy are Ut little value
and also that they had no information
as to what was in prospect.
The German claim to have cap
tured $4,000 prisoners in the new
thrust on the Aisne front did not
strike observers here as unusual.
should it prove true. The British OFF,
cial statements have shown previous
ly tlat the front-line trench system
In this sector was overrun by the enc
my In his rush. which appears to have
penetrated to a maximum depth of
about ten miles up to this time.
A British withdrawal also has been
reported by Gen. Haig. 1t is believed
here that rear guard actions. covering
this withdrawal. account for any cap
lures made by the Germans Undoubt-
defended too long positions which
covered their comrades withdrawal.
outnumbered 4 to / at That Point.
The German attack on the Aisne line
was launcned against a front of more
than twenty-five miles. Probably in
the neighborhood of 10000 French and
British troops held this sector.
Since there Is every indication that
the exact place of the attack was a
complete surprise to the allied COM
manders and since 1t is also reported
that twenty-five to thirty German di-
visions participated in the blow. ap-
parently the $4,000 faced more than
zoo, 900 men. and the capture of 5000
defenders under such circumstances,
it was said, was not excessive.
Most observers here are still convinced
that the Germans have not yet struck at
the point where their real offensive is
planned to be renewed. Reports of in
1t is thought. may indicate that tho rel
offensive is to be expected at any mo-
ment.
The Aisne attack. many officers
think. is intended either to draw of
reserves from the Picardy front or to
line thanking that front in order to
widen the salient of attack in Picardy
and permit renewal Of the main move
ment to cut the allied lines in half
without the menace on the southern
flank. The American attack may COM
pei the Germans to strengthen their
forces at this point In order to pre-
that case, the available reserves for
pressing the Aisne attack may be ma
terially reduced. Some such purpose
may have dictated the American at
tack. Gen. Foch Is known as essen
tally believer in offensive strategy.