New-York tribune., 1918-07-14
Ludendorf Expected to
Hurl Hordes Between
Rheims and Verdun
Foe Shifts Troops
To Southern Line
Allied Command Is Fully
Prepared and Confident
of Blocking Drive i.
By Arthur S. Draper
(Special Cable 70 The Tribune)

Especial CGbte 70 1he 1fl0nne}
Copyright. 1918. by The Tribune Assocatioa)
LONDON, July 13.-Despite heavy
showers in the last few days, the Ger
mans seem about ready to open their
great summer battle---their most pow
erful and determined blow in the 1918
campaign. Ludendorff wants to score
knockout and quick decision.
France is likely to feel the full
weight of the great German army.
which has undergone complete reorgan-
ization during the last month. Where
will the blow fall? 1t seems safe
guess to select Paris as the German
objective.
If this guess proves correct there
is likely to be resumption of activi-
ties south Of Montdidier and possibly
east of Rheims. That Ludendorff will Sc
lect a sector unassailed hitherto in this
campaign seems probable, which would
place the chief attack somewhere be-
tween Rheims and Verdun, with posi-
BILE subsidiary drives between Mont
didier and the Marine.
Moving Forces Southwark
Recent Allied raids, of which there
have been a great number, have shown
the enemy holding their lines north
Of the Aisne very lightly. There have
been indications of movement south
ward in the last fortnight. Political
reasons dictate a German effort against
Paris. Although events have disproved
the frequent forecast of a renewal Of
the German attack, there seems no
doubt that this time a great blow is
imminent Foch will not be caught
mapping, and the enemy will meet stiff
obstacles, whatever road to Paris he
selects.
Because Ludendorff will attack re-
gardless Of the initial cost, it is we'll
to be prepared for enemy advances
during the first days. Either side is
bound to win ground under the pres
ent system of offence and defence.
The anxious question to both sides is
the developments after the first shock;
to the Allies, whether they can find
the dead point" Of the attack and
check the whole movement; to the
initial success.
Tanks are almost certain to play an
important part in the new battle. The
German system Of attack consists of
short, heavy bombardment, then q
quick thrust by storm troops in echc-
lon formation, machine and light field
guns being used to widen the salient
Foe Using Big Tanks
Recent fighting has shown the Ger
mans employing more tanks, great
guns aud clusters Of machine guns.
In the new attacks the enemy is likely
to uncover many of these highly mo-
bile batteries. Against them will be
pitted French mosquito tanks-sort of
David and Goliath combat, with, it
is hoped, similar results.
Germany lost many of her finest
storm troops on the Sonme, the Lys
and the Marnc; that is one reason why
the enemy has been so slow in launch
! ing his summer campaign. Ludendorff
/ is certain to throw in his best at the
outset, and the real test will come
when the Allies encounter his second
rate divisions, those needed to exploit
the initial gains.
Germany begins the new phase with
markedly inferior oir force. Early in
the battle the Allies superiority is
likely to become apparent. Britain has
developed this branch of fighting
amazingly in the last few months,
while American airmcn have advanced
rapidly.
The battle Of Chemin des Danes be-
gan during the full moon, which is
now in the first quarter. The May at
tack was planned to last only few
days, but the present gigantic strug-
gle may continue for month. 1t is
considered probable that enemy air
end long range hombardments of Paris
will be renewed rs soon as the often
sive is in full swing
Without minimizing the seriousness Of
the situation, it can be stated posi-
lively that the Allied high command
regards the future with confidence.