Harrisburg telegraph. [volume] (Harrisburg, Pa.) 1879-1948, 1918-01-28
BAKER EXPECTS U-BOAT
ATTACK ON u. S. SHIPS
[Continued from First Page.l

to strike a decisive blow in the west" :"
Secretary Baker stated in his weekly
review of the military situation, "it
must be emphasized that he will not
be content with mere military opera
tions on a large scale.
During the last fortnight enemy
submarines have been recalled to
home ports to be refitted, and the
most powerful submarine offensive
hitherto undertaken may be expect
ed to be launched against our lines
of communication with France, to
interrupt the steady flow of men and
munitions for our Army and food
supplies for the Allies"
In connection with Mr.. Bakers
statement of the withdrawal of en-
cmy submarines, it was pointed out
that decreased losses to shipping
during the last few weeks have been
reported, and the war secretary's re-
view has given as the official ex-
planation of it.
Commenting on the civilian out
breaks in Austria, Secretary Baker
states:
Reports reach us of the increas-
ing restiveness of the Slav popula-
ton of Austria, more particularly
the Czechs.
The general strike in Vienna and
other upheavals throughout the mon
archy are assuming serious proper.
tions and they are no longer to be
held of mere internal interest, but
will inevitably react on the general
political situation"
Activity on the West
The review adds:
During the period under review
renewed activity along the entire
iC
The region bordering the North
Sea has once again become the
scene of severe fighting.
"A carefully co-ordinated opera
tion undertaken by British monitors,
acting in concert with land batter
les in the area north of Ypres, sub
jected' the German defenses of Os-
tend and surrounding country to a
severe bombardment.
mo infantry action was attempt
ed in this sector by the British, but
later in the week the Germans re-
acted sharply and directed a strong
assault against the short sector OF
the line in the dune area which
fringes the coast in the vicinity of
Nieuport. This attack, which must
be considered something more than
=, simple raid, broke into the French
lines, and for a brief period the
enemy detachments were able to
hold their ground in the advanced
French outposts. The French speed
lily brought up fresh forces, drove
out the enemy and were able to re-
establish themselves in their for
mer positions without difficulty.
In the Italian theater the i'm
portance of the successful French
assault in the region of the Monte
Tomba three weeks ago is proved by
the retreat of the enemy in this area.
The enemy has abandoned an
extensive tract of terrain north of
the Monte Tomba, extending to the
Fiavc. The Austrian lines now rest
en- the Monte Spinoncia.
Italian Key Relieved
1T would appear that the enemy
has for the time being abandoned his
attempt to break through this chan
mel to the plain.
The Austrians, while still strong
in this sector. nevertheless no longer
directly threaten the key positions
of the Italian line. Increasing live
liness of enemy artillery in the Val
Lagarina is recorded. 1t is appar-
cnt that the Austrians are carrying,
out their plans of shifting their CEN
ter attack further to the west.
The Val Lagarina offers peculiar
attraction for an invasion of Italy.
1t is classic path of invaders COM
ing from the north. We may expect
that should the opportunity seem ia
Ncrable the enemy may attempt an
operation in this area.
"In Russia peace negotiations have
continued with frequent Interrupt
tiOns.
"In Palestine the British are ex-
tending their lines to the north and
during the week advanced further
in the neighborhood of Durch on q
frontage of approximately four miles
The victory of the British over
the Turkish naval forces off the Dar-
danelles must be mentioned as an
event of especial military signifi-
oance.
observers coming from Constan-
tinople very recently informed us
that as long as Constantinople re-
maine ed under the guns of the former
German cruisers Goebens and Bres-
lau, the Turks would necessarily con-
tinue- under the domination of the
Germans"