The sun., 1918-01-28
FOE STAKES ALL
ON BOLDBLO
Baker Predicts Greatest Of Ger
man Offensives by Land
and Sea.
AUSTRIAN CRISIS REAL
Submarines Being Called In to
Refit for Campaign Against
Our Ships.
AUSTRIAN CRISIS REAL


WASHINGTON, Jan. 27.-0ermany is
preparing a desperate offensive by land
and sea against the forces Of the United
States and the Entente. according to an
nouncement by Secretary Baker tonight
In his weekly war review. The Gov
ernment has information that the great
Teuton drive on the western front u
coming and Furthermore that "the most
powerful submarine offensive under
taken" Is about to be launched.
The War Department has oficial in
formation concerning the increasing
restiveness OF the Slav population In
Austria, particularly the Cxechs. and
there are authentic indications that the
upheavals in Austria are assuming
threatening proportions. The inference
is that the Teuton war lords. having
abandoned the hope Ct satisfy ing the
people through peace efforts which do
not deceive their enemies. are deter
mined to rely on the sword and stake
all on a desperate offensive all along
the line.
Mr.. Bakers summary OF war opera
tions follows:
'As the time draws near when once
again the enemy will endeavor to strike
a decisive blow in the west. II must be
emphasized that he will not be content
with mere military operations on large
scale.
During the last fortnight enemy
submarines have been recalled to home
ports to he RENTED and the most power
full submarine offensive hitherto under
taken may be expected to be launched
against our lines Of communication with
france to interrupt the steady now OF
men and munitions for our own armies
and food supplies for the Allies.
Activity Msch Greater.
During the period under review re-
newed activity along the entire western
front is noted.
The region bordering the North Sea
once again has become the scene OF
severe fighting.
"a careful coordinated operation un-
dertaken by British monitors acting In
concert with land batteries in the area
north of Ypres subjected the German
defences of OStend and surrounding
country to a severe hohbardment.
mo infantry action was attempted ir
this sector by the British, but later In
the week the Germans reacted 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 N,euport. This attack. which
must be considered something more than
simple raid, broke into the French
lines and for a brief period the enemy
de;achments were able to hold the!i
ground in the advanced French outposts
The French speedily brought UP fresh
forces, drove out the enemy and were
s.t~ .nlx Ia. hntv
former positions without difficulty.
"Tn the Italian theatre the importance
Of the successful French assault in the
region of the Monte Tomba three weeks
ago Is proved by the retreat OF the en-
emy In this area.
THE enemy has abandoned an ex-
tensive tract Of terrain north Of the
Monte Tomba. extending TO the Piave
The Austrian lines now rest on the
Monte Spinoncia.
at would appear that the enemy has
for the time being abandoned his at.
tempt to break through this channel tc
the plain.
Austrihns shifting Attack.
"The Austrians while still strong In
this sector. nevertheless, no longer di.
rectly threaten the key position Of the
Italian line. The increasing liveliness OF
enemy artillery In the Val Lagarina Is
recorded. 1t is apparent that the Aus
trians are carrying out their plans OF
shifting their centre Of attack further tc
the west.
''The Val Lagarina offers peculiar at
traction for an invasion OF Italy. 1t Is
n classic path Of invaders coming from
the north, We may expect that should
the opportunity seem favorable thu
enemy may attempt an operation in this
area.
"Reports reach us Of the increasing
restiveness OF the Slav population 0,