New-York tribune., 1918-09-13
The First Au-American


discussion of what is now developing
into the first considerable American
operation of the war to recognize clearly
It's purpose and its limitations. The at
tack of Pershing in the St. Mihel sal
ient seeks to do three things: First, to
continue the strain upon the Germans
oy attacking in new sector as the activ
ity in the Hindenburg region slows down
Tor the moment, thus retaining the gen.
eral offensive by compelling the Germans
10 conform to Allied strategy. Second,
TO abolish a locally awkward wedge in
the Lorraine front Third, to prepare
the way for later operation directed at
the Briey iron district from the French
line around Verdun-
Taking up these three purposes in
order, it is well to recognize at once that
all operations on the Western front are
details in Foch's main scheme, in his
fundamental purpose, which is to break
the armies of Germany. He has seized
the initiative and rained blow after blow
on Ludendorff's armies. Shaken, but
still intact, they have reached strong
positions where they hope to stand and
against which Foch's attacks might beat
in vain
Thereupon Foch has shifted his activ-
ty from Flanders and Champagne, from
the centre to the right flank. We may
suspect that the Germans have weak
ened this front to reinforce their beaten
divisions further west, but in any event
it has always been reasonably clear that
when Foch arrived at the Hindenburg
line he would mannuvre on the fanks,
rather than repeat the bloody episodes of
the Sonme, the Aisne and Flanders.
Since 1916 the st. Mihiel salient has
been a quiet sector. The Germans had
valuable bridgehead, but their posi-
ion was too circumscribed to permit
them to advance out of it. The French
on their part lacked the men to attempt
an offensive which could have only local
benefits, for the great German fortress
of Metz behind the salient abolished any
idea of material advance in this region
as it does still.
Looking now to the third possible OBJ
\ iective, the reaching of the Brey iron
VI district from which Germany derives a
largs share Of her iron used in war
manufactures, it is plain that no ad-
vance could be undertaken from Verdun
toward Briey while the Germans held
the st. Mihiel salient on the flank of
such an advance. Once the ST. Mihiel
salient is pinched out, such an offensive
is not only possible but probable. An
advance of a dozen miles from the Ver-
dun front would bring Briey within
range of French heavy artillery, and
probably prohibit further exploitation
by the Germans of these mines.
Judging by such reports as have come,
Pershng's main attack was from the
eastern side on twelve-mile front from
Xivray to the edge of the Bois-le- Pretre.
and the capture of Thiaucourt, if this
town can be held, insures the extinction
Of the whole salient.
1t is we'll to recognize the limitations
of this offensive. 1t is a purely local
operation, with rigidly limited obiec-
tives. It's relation to the western and
main field of operations is subordinate.
1t is maneuvre intended to compel the
German to weaken his front in Artois
and Flanders, to confuse and further
disorganize his plans and consume his
reserves, to keep him busy and prevent
any effort on his part to regain the Of
fensive.
But it is not an operation aimed at
Metz, which is the strongest single po-
sition in the world. 1t is not a thrust
toward the Rhine. Any such thrust will
be made from the east side of the Moselle
south of Nancy-and it is not a major
offensive at all; it is only one more of
Foch's many blows.
Having said this, it is equally neces-
sary to say that the first reports indicate
that our new army has done admirably.
made an advance which is worthy Of
French veterans-an advance which if it
can be held will greatly change the whole
aspect of the Western front, remove the
single wedge the Germans have been able
in four years to drive in the French dixie
on the old frontier. and will greatly