Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1918-04-05
MANY j. S. TROOPS TO
be SENT To ENGLAND
TO FINISH TRAINING
Uncle Sans Fighters viii Re-
Iieye British Units for Imme-
date Service on French
Batt!efieIdS

Bdtt!eTleldS
WASHINGTON. April "a large
part of the American army will be sent
TO England just as soon as the ships
to transport it can be assembled.
This was learned from an authorita-
tive source in the army here today.
These troops, comprising a substantial
percentage of those in camps in the
United States, will take the place of
British troops that have been undergoing
training in England.
This plan is entirely apart from the
accelerated movement of American
troops to the firing line in France. The
best divisions of the American army
will go direct TO France, while those III
a less developed stage will go to Eng
land.
According to present plans, more than
100000 men will have been shipped to
France by the close of the year AS
the selective service is continuing OPP
Grafton, il will be possible to draw them
whenever needed to fill up emptied can
tonments. 1t may be necessary to call
within the next year a greater number
than the originally considered 100000.
In some quarters it was held likely
today that 1000 more selectmen will
be called 10 camp by July 1st.
Ships to carry the American soldiers
will be obtained. The government re-
CARDS this as the year of decision. holds
that the Germans must be stopped and
that victory for democracy must be
won-or at least assured-this year.
The Germans realize this condition
ami are known to be straining every
nerve to gain German peace" if the
breaking point is reached in Europe. Of
ficials feel that if that time comes 1t
will be too late for the United States
to block the kaiser's schemes. So,
wall of flesh and blood will be thrown
across the path of the Teuton military
machine now-at the moment of its
greatest strength.
The schedule on which American
troops were to move to France this
summer has been torn up. A new one
has been substituted and it provides
for the movement of many more divi-
sions than the old one called for. Of
ficers here say that IL will be a mir
acle il the new plans work out-but the
time TO perform miracles is here.
The seven seas are being literally
combed for the ships to provide space
for the troops and war supplies. Japan
is sending some. Others will be OBJ
tanned from Norway, Denmark and
Spain. Finally, Great Britain is going
TO accept an iron ration" so that the
full force Of the allies strength can
be modified. and to provide ships for
transports, several of the biggest Eng
Iish passenger liners, which have been
used as auxiliary cruisers and hospital
ships, are being turned over to Amer
lea.
The American troops sent to England
will provide a home army for Great
Britain. They will release thousands of
Britons to reinforce Haig's army at the
front 1t is not unlikely that when the
first American contingent finishes its
training in England other divisions will
be sent there from this country. The
scheme is to get as many troops close
to the battle front as possible. The
time may come when they will be need
ed. whatever the stage of their train
ing.
The first round in the CORY battle of
Picardy is done. Other rounds are 10
come.
That summarized today military
mems views of the lull on the western
front They believed, however, that the
struggle will burst out again, perhaps
in a fresh German attempt to capture
the all-important railroad junction,
Amiens. or perhaps at a new spot in
the line.
They were frankly surprised that the
allied offensive for which they had so
confidently looked had not developed.
They had banked on hearing brilliant
reports from the army of maneuver.
The second round, however, may find
the allies. with Americans intermingled,
making a tremendous blow at the Ger
man. Military men feel that it is un-
wise to let the German dig in" but
they doubt that the allies Will remain
long on the defensive. Further, they
feel that the allies perhaps overlook
ed a bet through their fear Of pene-
tration of the junction point of the Brit
ish and French armies. Had il been
penetrated the allies could have applied
nut-cracker tactics much to the Ger
mans disadvantage.
Taken on the whole, the situation APP
peared satisfactory, however.
Secretary of War Baker is expected
back here at an early date. His main
mission is done-putting across Presi-
dent wilson's ideas as to coordination
on the west front.
ANY increase desired in Americas ar
my. no matter how great. can be fur
nished Immediately. officials of the pro-
vost marshal generals office empha.
sized today.
I'VE have a great reservoir OF prac-
ticaIly 2,5OO,0Oe physically fit. class
men. ready to be thrown in the fight
on the signing of an order" a high
officer said today. Officers indicated
they believe an increase in the num-
Der to be called this year may be an
nounced soon.
America would be surprised at the
results of this year." said one.
Several more calls, not including the
mobilization of $4,000 fighters and A.
s99 special students, are imminent.
Three will be sent out this week for
arze number OF specialists.
Meanwhile. the great card index of
affiliations is being rushed TO COM
I,ction in preparation for an emer-
-cury. Nearly all the class men are
COW indexed and many of the deferred
.asses. the total today being 4,463.4S6.
ards are being received at the rate of
10000 a day and IL is hoped to com
pIete the index of the 100000 regis
Jrants this month.