The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1918-01-31
WARNS AGAINST OFFENSIVE.
Baker Says U-Boats Are Being Re-
fitted for Blow Against America.

impending Teutonic drive against the
west front, is given by Secretary
Baker in his weekly military review
made public tonight by the war de-
partment.
Recently there has been a marked
decrease in the number of Allied
merchant ships sunk by submarines.
The explanation for this is found n
the withdrawal of submarines in pre-
paration for the coming thrust on
land and sea. The review says:
LAS the time draws near, when
once again the enemy will endeavor
to strike a decisive blow in the west,
it must be emphasized that he will
not be content with mere military
operations on a large scale.
During the last fortnight enemy
submarines have been called to nome
ports to be reftted, and the most
powerful submarine offensive
hitherto undertaken may be expected
to be launched against our lines of
communication with France, to inter-
rupt the steady flow of men and
munitions for our own armies and
food supplies for the Allies.
More Active On Land.
During the period under review
renewed activity along the entire
western front is noted.
''The region bordering the North
sea has once again become the scene
of severe fighting.
"A carefully coordinated operation,
undertaken by British monitors act
ing in concert with land batteries in
the area north of Ypres, sujected the
German defenses of Ostend and
surrounding country to a severe bonn
bardment.
''No infantry action was attempted
in this sector oy 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 Ntaupo1t.
This attack, which must be consider
eG something more than simple
raid, broke into the French lines and
for brief period the enemy detach-
ments were able 20 hold their ground
in the advanced French outpcsts.
The French drove ou5 the enemy ard
were able to reestabiish themselves in
their former positions without diff
Guilty.
I'm the Italian theatre the impor-
tance of the successful French assault
in the region of the Monte Tomba
three weeks ago is proven by the re-
treat of the enemy in this area.
''The enemy has abandoned an ex-
tensive tract of terrain north of the
Monte Tomba, extending to the Pi-
ave. The Austrian lines now rest on
the Monte Spinoncia.
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 strong in
tn this sector, nevertheless, no long
er directly threaten the key positions
of the Italian line. Increasing live
illness of enemy artillery in the VAL
Lagarina is recorded. y
Reports reach us of the increas-
ing restiveness of the Slav population
of Austria, more particularly the
Czechs.
"The general strike in Vienna and
other upheavals throughout the mon
archy are assuming serious proper
tions.
"In Russia peace negotiations have
continued with frequent Interrupt
tions
I'm Palestine the British are ex-
tending their lines to the north and
during week advanced further in
the neighborhood of Durah on
frontage of approximately four miles.
"The victory of the British over the
Turkish naval forces off the Dar-
denelles must be mentioned as an
event of especial military significance.
"Observers coming from Constan-
tinople very recently informed us
as long as Constantinople remained
under the guns of the former Ger
man cruisers Goeben and Breslau the
Turks would necessarily continue un-
der the domination of the Germans. -
Arrangements have been made for
some relaxation of the restrictions