The Little River news., 1918-01-30
sECReIlRl NkH WARNS
 Of u.DOAT OFFENSIVE
PH.1lQ4S That Geruans VIII Skake Blow at United States Slip
 Linos-Expects LaAA Drive. Tee.

Dr1v0, TSos
 Washington, Jan. 27.-Warnine that the Germans are preparing for . great submarine offensive against the American lines of communication with France, in connection with the 1 impending Teutouic drive against the l West Front is given by Secretary
 Baker in his weekly military review F Recently there has been 2 marked
 decrease in the number of allied mer-
 chant ships sunk by submarines. The explanation for this is found in the
 withdrawal of submarines in prepar- ton for the coming thrust on land and sea. The review says:
 ".is the time draws near when once again the enemy will endeavor to strike decisive blow in the west, it must be emphasized that he will not be content with mere military opera tions on . large scale.
 During the past fortnight enemy submarines have been recalled to home ports to be refitted and the mort 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 mu- nitlons fer our own armies and food supplies tor the allies. 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 co-ordinated operation undertaken by British monitors, act l ing in concert with land batteries in the area north of Ypres, subjected the German defense of Ostend and sur rounding country to a severe lombard ment
 Little Infantry Action. No infantry action was attempted in this section by the British, but lat CT in the week the Germans reacted sharply and directed strong assault against the short sector of the line in the dune area, which fringes the coast in the vicinity of Nieuport This attack which must be consider ed something more than simple raid, broke into the French lines and for brief period the enemy detachments were able to hold thir ground in the advanced French outposts. The French speedily brought up fresh forces, drove out the enemy and were able to re-establish themselves in their former positions without diff culty.
 Tn the Italian theater, the impor- tance of the successful French assault in the region of 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 Piave. The Austrian lines now rest on the Monte Spinoncia. .,
 Tt would appear that the enemy has. for the time being, abandoned his attempt to break through this channel to the plain.
 The Austrians, while still strong in this sector, nevertheless no longer directly threaten the key positions of the Italian line. Increasing liveliness of enemy artillery in the Val Lagar- ina Is recorded. It is apparent that the Austrians are carrying out their plans of shifting their center of at tack further to the west.
 Expects Italian Drive.
 "The Val Lagarina offers peculiar attraction for an invasion of Italy. It is a classic path of invaders com ing from the north. We may expect that, should the opportunity seem fa- vorable, the enemy may attempt an operation in this area.
 Reports reach us of the increasing restivcness of the Slav population of Austria. more particularly the CzecAs
 The general strike in Vienna and other upheavals throughout the mon> l'rchy, are assuming serious propor- tions and they are no longer to be held as mere internal interest, but will inevitably react on the general po- ,litical situation.
 Tn Russia, peace negotiations have continued, with frequent interrup- Itions.
 Tn Palestine the British are ex, tending their lines to the north, and during the week advanced further in the neighborhood of Duran, on a frontage of approximately four miles. "The victory of the British over the Turkish naval forces off the Dar- danelles must be mentioned, as an event of especial military significance. 1 Observers coming from Constanti- lnOple. very recently informed us that