Omaha daily bee. (Omaha [Neb.]) 187?-1922, 1918-07-27
DECISIVE
CLASH OF
WAR NEAR
Hiqh Commands on Beth Sides
May Be Preparing for
Combat From Rheims
to North Sea.
By Associated Press.

Washington, July 26.-Behind the
apparent lull in the struggle around
the Aisne-Marne salient today, the
high commands of the allied and Ger
mai, armies may be setting the stage
for the decisive battle of the war: In
that event it seems more than likely
to, observe here that the fourth ami
versary of the conflict vii see fame
Of fighting raging from east OF
Rheims to the North Sea, but with
the crucial conflict in progress some
where just north Of the Marne.
There is nothing as vet in reports
to show General Foch's plan. Flick
ers Of fighting have occurred to the
north that may have more than local
significance behind them. There, is
some evidence Of feeling here that
the time has not come yet when a
sufficient American army has been as
semb1ed in France to warrant pass
ing definitely to offensive tactics. j..
It was recalled TODAY that General
March recently indicated to members
of congress that this was not to be
expected until later in the wear. The
situation has changed greatly at the
front since then. however. and only
developments there will show what
decision has been made. 49,
Tables Turned on Enemy.
AT first it appeared that the fierce
counter attack launched by General
Foch on the western side OF the
Aisne- Marne salient was intended on
ly to offset the German effort to en-
circle Rheims and further exploit the
menace toward Paris. AS success
followed success for the Franco
American troops, and as the Italians
end British joined. the nature of the
operation changed. 1t was clear that
the tables had been turned on the
enemy and that the nutcracker tatics
he had attempted to apply to Rheims
were in turn being applied to his
armies.
The enemy was quick to realize his
danger. Behind a stubborn rear guard
he drew back across the Marne and
today was apparently still struggling
ncrthward out of the depth of the
pocket in which he had been caught.
To save his advanced forces here, re-
serves have been called to hold apart
the jaws of the great trap until the
armies of the crown prince could es-
cape.
Aims to Clear Pocket. -
Yesterday the advance of the Brit
ish northwestward from the region
Of Rheims, aroused hope among Off
cials here that the allied forces might
be able to. spring the trap. The lull
today seemed to indicate General
Foch was not prepared at this time
to press his advantage to his full
power in that direction.
The pocket is not as yet sufficiently
narrowed at the top to prevent with
drawal of the German armies falling
back from the Marne. officers believe.
That the main pressure of the allied
troops today was rather against the
blunt apex than against the extended
sides of the salient was taken as an
indication that the supreme COM
mander was bent on forcing his op-
ponent out Of the pocket than to trap
him in it. ~
Should General Foch feel that he
should still await the coming of more
American troops to give decided
preponderance in numbers, officers
anticipated that he would continue to
harry the retiring enemy, flank and
front, exploiting his present victories
to the fullest possible extent and
forcing the enemy to decide upon
making stand. When that line was
reached or approached. however. Va
sudden transfer of allied offensive
tactics to the Picardv or more prob
ably the Flanders front would be
natural.