Evening journal., 1918-01-28
BAKER EXPECTS
U-BOAT DRIVE
Warns Of "Great Submarine
Offensive on American
Lines to France"
TO BE JOINED WITH
BIG LAND ATTACKS

WASHINGTON, Jan. 2s.-Secretary Of
War Baker last night said that Ger
many not only is preparing for a big
drive on land but that the 'most
powerful offensive hitherto under
taken Is to be made by submarines.
AS the time draws near when once
again the enemy will endeavor TO strike
q decisive blow i'm the west" Secretary
Baker stated in his weekly review Of
the military situation, 1T must be en-
phaslzed that he VIII not be content
win mere military operations on a
large scale.
During the last fortnight enemy sub
marines have been recalled TO home
ports to be RENTED, aud the most pow
erful submarine offensive hitherto un-
dertaken may be expected 10 be launch
ed against our lines Of communlca-
.tion with France, TO Interrupt the
steady flow Of men and munitions for
our army and food supplies for the
Allies"
IN connection with Mr.. Bakers state
ment OF the Withdrawal Of submarines,
u was pointed out that decreased
losses to shipping during the last few
weeks have been reported, and the war
secretary's review was given as the
official explanation Of il.
Commenting on the civilian out
breaks in Austria, Secretary Baker
states:
"Reports reach us OF the increasing
restlveness of the Slav population of
Austria, more particularly the Czechs
"rhe general strike In Vienna and
other upheavals throughout the moE-
archy are assuming serious proper
tions, and they are no longer to be
held Of mere internal interest, but will
inevitably react on the general polti-
cal situation"
The review adds
During the period under review re-
newed activity along the entire vest
ern front is noted.
"The region bordering the North Sea
has once again become the scene Of Sc
we're fighting.
"A carefully cO-Ordinated operation
by British monitors, acting
In concert with land batteries in the
area north Of Ypres, subjected the Ger
man defenses of Ostend and surround
ing country TO a severe bombardment.
mo infantry action was 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 fringes the coast in the
vicinity Of Nieuport. This attack.
which must be considered something
more than a simple raid, broke into
the French lines, and for a brief period
the enemy detachments were able TO
hold their ground In the advanced
French outposts. The French speedily
brought up fresh forces, drove out the
enemy and were able TO re-establish
themselves I'm their former positions
difficulty.
IN the Italian theatre the Importance
of the successful French assault i'm the
region of the Monte romba three weeks
ago is proved by the retreat OF the
enemy i'm this area.
"The enemy has abandoned an extern
slve tract Of terrain north Of the Monte
Tomba, extending TO the Piave. The
Austrian lines now rest on the Monte
Sjinoncia.
Italian Key Relieved.
1T would appear that the enemy has
for the time being abandoned his at
Tempt to break through this channel 10
The plain
"The Austrians, while still strong in
This sector. nevertheless no longer di-
rectly threaten the key positions Of the
italian line. Increasing liveliness OF
enemy artilley in the Val Lagarlna is
lt is apparent that the Aus
Lrians are carrying out their plans OF
shifting their center Of attack further
10 the west
TThe Val Lagarina offers peculiar
attraction for an invasion Of Italy. 1t Is
a classic path Of invaders coming from
The north. We may expect that should
the opportunity seem favorable the
enemy may attempt an operation in
This area.
"ln Russia peace negotiations have
with frequent Interruptions
In Palestine tho British are extend
Ing their Zines to the north and dur
ing the week advanced further IN the
Of Dursh on a frontage
Of approximately four miles.
"The victory OF the British over the
Turkish naval forces off the Darda- |
lelles must be mentioned as an event
Df especial military significance.
observers coming from CONSTANT |
lople very recently Informed us that as
ong as Constantinople remained under |
he guns OF the former German /
'ruisers Goeben and Breslau, the Turks (
would necessarily continue under the |
Of the Germans"
PAY DOUGLAS HOME DEBT