Arizona republican., 1918-07-27
GERMANS MAY BE PREPARING
 FUR DECISIVE
 FIGHT OF WAR
Likely Fourth Anniversary
 of Conflict Will See Flame
 of Fighting From Reims to the North Sea
rRepublican A. p. Leased Wirel

 the apparent lull in the struggle around the Aisne- Marne salient today, the high commands of the allied and Ger man armies may be setting the stage for the decisive battle of the war In that event it seems more than likely tn observers that the fourth anniver- sary of the conflict will see a flame of fighting raging from east of Reims to the North sea; but with the crucial conflict in progress somewhere just north of the Marne.
 Fochs Plan Unreveaed.
 There is nothing as yet in reports to show General Foch's plan. Flickers of fighting have occurred to the north that may have more than local signifi- canoe behind them. There is some evi- dence of a feeling here that the time has not yet come when a sufficient American army has been assembled in France 10 warrant passing definitely to offensive tactics.
 It was recalled today that General March recently indicated to members of congress that this could not be eX- pected until later in the year. The situation has changed greatly at the front since then. however and only de- velopments there will show what de- cision has been made.
 Fierce Encounter Launc..ed.
 Al first it appeared that the fierce counter attack launched by General Foch on the western side of the Aisne- Msrne salient was intended only to offset the German effort to encircle Beims and further exploit the menace toward Paris. As success followed success for the Franco American troops, and as the Italians and British joined. the nature of the operation changed. It was clear that the tables had been turned on the enemy and that inc nut cracker tactics he had attempt a fo apply to Reims were in turn be- ing applied to his armies.
 Enemy Calls Up Reserves.
 The enemy was quick to realize his danger. Behind a stubborn rear guard hc drew hack across the Marne and today was apparently still struggling northward out of the depth of the pocket in which he had been caught. To save his advanced forces here, re- serves have been called to hold apart inc jaws of the great trap until the armies of the crown prince could es- cape.
 Yesterday the advance of the British uouhwestNard from the region of Eeims aroused hope among officials here that the allied forces might be able to spring the trap. The lull to- day seemed 10 indicate General Foch was not prepared at this time to press his advantage to his full power in that direction.
 Force Opponent From Pocket.
 The pocket is not as yet sufficiently narrowed at the top to prevent with drawal pf the German armies falling back from the Marne. officers believe That the main pressure of the allied troops today was rather against the blunt apex than against the extended sides of the salient was taken as ar indication that the supreme commander was bent more on forcing his opponen out of the pocket than to trap him in it
 Harries Retiring Enemy.
 Should General Foch feel that ht should still await the coming of more American troops to give a decided pre- ponderance in numbers. officers an. ticipated that he would continue tt harry the retiring enemys flank an( front. exploiting his present vctorie! Co the fullest possible extent and fore ing the enemy to decide upon making stand. When that line was reached o approached, however, a sudden trans fer of allied offensive tactics to tn Ticardy or more probably the Flander front would he natural.