Arizona republican., 1918-01-01
NEW YEAR SEES WAR CHANGING
Republican A. p. Leased Wirel

WASHINGTON Dec. 31-What the beginning of the new year finds at the battle fronts is outlined by Secretary Baker in his weekly review of military operations issued tonight. In the west, he says. the British dominate the Elan ders plain with a great wedge into the principal German line of defense at Cambrai, while the French, with their own lines unbroken hold the key to the Laon area through the capture of Chemin des Danes.
 Italy, supported by the allies is hold ing firm while the enemy after batter ing in vain for six weeks against the defenders is busy preparing for re- newed offensive.
 Of Russia the review merely says the Germans are endeavoring to persuade that country that they are eager to as- sist in restoring normal conditions and that the German embassy building at Petrograd is being made ready for oc- cupancy.
 While the operation of American troops at the front has been confined to narrow limits, the secretary says their presence has heartened the all lies and increased faith in final victory.
 The review follows in part:
 The military situation at the begin ming of the new year is as follows:
 Tn the west the British in the Ypres salient occupy the high ground of the Passchendaele ridge and dominate the Flanders plain.
 / FHel Nadge n frUnt of Camhrai has ripped great gap in the principal German line O. defense.
 "The battle for Cambrai proved that the German defensive positions could be broken and taken. Theugh full ad- vantage was not taken of the early successes gained by the British the disaster to German arms in this battle was the most serious since the Marne.
 The French, by the capture of the Chemin des Danes. have secured the key to the Laon area. Their own line of defense remains unshaken. | 'Detachments of our own forces have | engaged the enemy. While their oper- | ations have been combined to narrow | limits their aid has been valuable and | the presence of American troops in the firing line has heartened the allies to continue the struggle with increased faith in final victory.
 During the period under review the combat situation remained unchanged.
 Reports of the concentration of hostile troop masses in the west con- | tlnue to be received. A
 As far as military operations in the west are concerned, no events of more than minor importance are reported. | The Germans have been busy regroup- ing their force.
 Tn the Italian theater the enemy is | continuing his persistent offensive in the mountain area. '.
 The Italians have held firm and reaped the advantage of the success gained last week when they captured the valuable strategic terrain in the viz cfnity of Monte Asolone.
 The Austro- Germans in the region of the Monte Asolone.
 "The Austro Germans in the region of the Monte Asolone have been busy readjusting their tactical dispositions and making further preparations for a renewed offensive.
 "The Austro- Hungarian genearl staff seems to fear that without full German support it would not be difficult problem for the Italians. strongly rein. forced by French and British divisions to turn the tables on their invaders
 We are now entering upon the thirt month of the battle for the mastery of Venetia. Since November tn. enemy has been held up along tn, Piave During the past six weeks nt really decisive success has been gained by the invaders. They have battered in vain against the staunch resistanc, of the Italians.
 Reviewing the situation, it is re. vealed that the first German successe. in Italy far exceeded their most san.
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