Bisbee daily review., 1918-03-27
OFFICERS SAY POINT
 OF DRIVE NEAR
By Review Leased wire1


 WASHINGTON, March 25.-An air of expectancy was apparent tonight among American and other military officials here who are following most closely tie developments of the bat tie in France. They appeared to feel that a turning point in the terrific struggle was close at hand.
 Press reports from the British front binted at thc same feeling there. For the people of the United States the announcement by the British authori- ties that American troops are fight ing side by side with French oefend- CTS brings the battle closer home. War departmen tofficials had no word from General Pershing cn the subject but were expecting at any moment reports of the extent of the American participation Action centerS nov. on the French front rctber than on the progress made by the Germans against the British lines. As the battle pro- ceeds officers are becoming more cer- tain that the defenders are carrying out a definite plan of which the Brit ish withdrawal is a part, but which will prove soon to be coupled with d powerful counter thrust. The most probable place for the launching of such a movement, il was thought, was from the flanking position the French held tenaciously tonight along the left bank Of the Disc
 Use French Equipment.
 Until General Pershing reports as to the American forces engaged no ~r rl ing the part they are playing.
 American heavy artillery has been training in England and the men are famiiiar with the British guns. They may be reaching the front with new guns sent o replace those lost during the retirement. American tank de- taChments also have been at the Brit ish training camps for months. Ameri- can engineers are officially reported as in the battle zone
 It was regarded as entirely possible, however. that American infantry divi- sions already seasoned by front line experience in their own sector had come up with the French reinforce msnts. They would be certain to operate with the French as their equipment is largely French and they must be supplied with ammunition and replacements from the French e mmunication lines. Should this prove to be the case, it is possible. officers here believe, that American troops will be with French units in an effcrt to score heavily against the Germans when the moment for at tack arrives.
 Thrust Slows Up.
 TOday's British reports while ad- hitting further German advances in the capture of Rove. indicated de- cided slowing up of the direct pro- gress of the drive against the British front. The official statements indie ated that Germans have exposured their left flank to the threat of the French line on the river Disc. Evacu- ation of Noyon gave the French river line to hold against the Geramns on a front that paralleled the flow of ammunition and supply trains to the more advanced German forces in the region of Rove. Bitter assaults against this French line were made throughout the day without avail. Meanwhile the evacuation of Rove by the British served to extend still further the Germans supply lines against which French assault might be launched The steadiness of the French line. it was pointed out, was en indication in itself that the allies were voluntarily abandoning some of the territory occupied by the Ger mans.
 If anything. American officers were more confident tonight than at any previous time of the outcome Of the drive. They have never doubted that it would be stopped. Now. however. they are thinking of the probable eX. tent of the counter blow they feel cer- tain is to fall sooner or later
 There is no lack of possibilities in the northern sector of the battle area. The British lines have been much less shaken than those to the south When the time arrives it is possible that a thrust will come from that direction also.