The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1918-05-13
MATTER HAS BEEN DISCUSSED.
1t Was Choice Between Two Schools of
Strategy.

Washington. May l3.-The decision
not to use the American army in Francs
until it has been built up to proportion
of complete and mighty force, first dis
closed to the public in last nights dis
patches from Ottawa, based on adyicei
from the war committee of the British
cabinet, follows a long period of consid
GRAFTON between two schools of military
strategists which have been contendinl
ever since the German drive began as tt
| the most effective manner to use the
American forces.
From the best information that can be
gathered here, one school of strategy has
eontended 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, it is understood, has favored
the use of the American force very little,
holding it back until fully organized with
all the necessary compliments of heavy
artillery, aircraft and other appurte-
nances and then striking a mighty blow
in conjunction with the British and
French, which would smash the German
lines and bring decision.
The knowledge that such a plan was
being considered has been very closely
held by the few who have known it. 1t
is certain that it has been the subject Of
exchanges between the American. British
and French governments and undoubted-
ly has been discussed at Versailles. Those
who are most familiar with the subject
are of the opinion that the decision ar
rived at probably agrees more with the
views of the British strategists than it
does with the French. although the views
of Generalissimo Foch have not been
fully disclosed 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
reflection in the recent British crisis, in
which General Maurice, differing with
Premier Lloyd George, made public
which led to his retire
ment The one thing that seems certain,
however. is that the business of rushing
American troops to Europe will be
pressed rather than retarded and that
there will be a redoubling of effort to
equip them with all the necessary heavy
artillery and other engines of war and
quickly bring the full strength of great |
army to the battlefront.
Some officials in touch with the prog
ress of the draft have recently predicted |
that every available man in class would |
be called to the colors during the sum.
mer Roughly this means more than
/, 100000, in addition to more than l,000.- /
700, who at the present rate of progress
either will be in France, in camp in this
or under orders TO move to can
on May is, the first anniver
lary of the passage of the draft law.
The confidence of the British military I
that they can hold their line
until American aid arrives in full force.
IT at least exact such heavy toll of
ierman life in falling back that the ac-
ual advantage always viii be with the
lllied armies, is very gratifying to mill
airy experts here. Some of them are NOT
n full accord with the reported new plan
# making practically no use Of the
american army until il reaches its full
trength.