New-York tribune., 1918-01-28
Great Offensive Planned to
Check American Aid
to France
To Be United With
West Front Attack
Submarines Now Rehttine
for Powerful Blow,
Says Secretary

! WASHINGTON, Jan. u. - Warning
! that the Germans are preparing for
a great submarine offensive against
the American lines or communication
with France in connection with the
impending Tcutonic drive against the
West front. is given by Secretary Baker
in his weekly military review made
public tonight by the War Depart
mcnt.
Recently there has been a 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 prepara-
ton for the coming thrust on land
and sea. The review says:
"As the time draws near when once
again the enemy will cndeavol TO
strike decisive blow in the West,
it must be emphasized that he will
not be content with mere military oper-
ations on large scale.
"During the last fortnight enemy
submarines have been recalled to home
ports to be reiitted, and the most pow
er1ul submarine offensive hitherto
undertaken may be expected to be
launched against our lines Of commu-
nlc%tion with France. to interrupt the
steady tow Of men and munitions for
our own armies and food supplies for
the allies.
During the period under review re-
newcd activity along the entire West
crn front is noted. The region border
ing the North Sea has once again be
come the scene of severe lighting.
a careful coOrdinatcd operation un-
dertaken by British monitors acting in
-. I.
north Of Ypres subjected the German
dcfences Of Ostend and surrounding
country to severe bombardment.
mo infantry action is attempted in
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 frngcs the coast
in the vicinity Of Nieuport. This at
tack, which must be considered some
thing more than simple raid, broke
INTO the French lines, and for brief
period the enemy detachmcn.s were
able to hold their ground in the adj
vanced French posts.
THE French speedily brought up
fresh forces, drove out the enemy and
We're able to TeGstablish themselves in
their former positions without diff
Guilty.
"1n the Italian theatre the impor-
tance Of the successful French assault
i'll the region OF Monte Tomba three
weeks ago is proved by the retreat Of
the enemy in this area.
The enemy has abandoned an exten-
siFe tract Of terrain north of Monte
Iomba extending to the Piavc. The
Austrian lines now rest on Monte
Spinonca.
1T would appear that the enemy has
for the time being abandoned his al
tempt to break through this channel to
the plain.
"Thc Austrians. while still! strong
m TINS sector, nevertheless no longer
dlrectly, threaten the key positions Of
,he ltaian line The increasing live
llness of enemy artillery in the Val
Iagarina is recorded. 1t is apparent
fhat the Austrians are carrying out
them plans OF shifting their centre of
attack further to the west.
.Ihe Val Lagarina offers peculiar
attraction for an invasion of Italy. It
ls classic path of invaders com;no
from the north We may expect that
should the opportunity seem favorable
INC enemy may attempt an operation in
this area.
Reports reach US of the increas;no
restlveness of the Slav population of
austria. more particularly the Czechs
The general strike in Vienna and
o'her upneavais throughout the mon
airehy tiarS arr, are assuming serious proper
''ons' ana they arc no longer to be
held OF nero internal interest. but viii
;;ne|lt:ably ;n.l' react on the general po,it-
IN Russia peace negotiations have
'o"Trnped "2r yea W!th frequent Interruptions.
IN Falestlne the British are extend
ing their lines to the north. and dur-
ing thc week advanced further in the
nelghborhood of Durah on a frontare
OF approximately four miles
"The victory of the Rr;+;sh
Turkish naval forces Off the Darda- a
nelIes must be mentioned Is an rvont o
OF Especial especial military sienificance. ~'''
Vpservers coming from Constant
nople very recently informed s us 'aIe, thn+
as as long as Constantinople remained med
under the guns of the former German
9Iu'serS Turle no"j'3 GGeben and Breslau the the
der a.tl ~ "ouIa , necessarily continue un-