New Britain herald., 1918-01-21
ALLIES READY FOR GERMAN OFFENSIVE Prepared to Give Hun Warm Wol-
 come, Bakers Review Shows TAKE INITIATIVE AGAIN
Situation Favorable to Enemies of Central Powers Except on Russian Front - Canadians Praised For Lighting Raids.

Front Canadians Praised For Lighting Raids.
 Washington, Jan. 21.-The Allies are maintaining an expectant at titude on the western front, Secretary Baker stated today in his weekly war review, while recent events in Russia have greatly increased strategic free dom for the Central Empires.
 The review is for the week ending Jan. 19 It says: There is little to record in the way of military activity during the past week. On the western front the allies are maintaining an eX- pectant attitude.
 While the enemy has been busy centralizing his offensive, the British and French have greatly strengthened their defensive dispositions, re-organ- izing their tactical arrangements, which in many instances are as they were hitherto, chiefly of an offensive character, and are now prepared for every eVentuality.
 "The recent events in Russia, which have removed from the thea Of active operations more than geo miles of front ill the east, the invasion of Italy and the consequent shortening of the battle line in this zone by nearly 150 miles, have resulted in greatly in creased strategic freedom for the Gen. tral Empires
 Reviewing the minor operations which took place, it is noticeable that ascendant initiative and alertness is again displaced by the Allies.
 We find the British and French actively raiding the German lines, driving in OutpOsts and patrols.
 "Along the British front the enemy for the first time in many weeks main tained a relatively passive attitude. The British sent out raiding parties.
 "East of Lorraine, the shell-torn territory, the scene of fierce fighting dyring the past summer, 8 sharply conducted operation by the British was brought to a successful conclu- sion. The British broke into the Ger man line and captured prisoners.
 ''North of St. Quentin and east of Mericourt the British had brushes with the enemy which resulted fa- Vorably.
 Canadians in Lively Attack.
 Near Lens a Canadian detachment launched a raid against the Germans which was crowned with success. This undertaking was carried out with the QSQhI lLdndOldl udon auC IlOI ouiy were the Canadians able to penetrate the enemy's positions. but they held them as long as they deemed it ex- pedcnt, and only retired after inflict- ing serious damage and taking pris- oners.
 "Southwest of Armentieres, the en- omy advanced against British out post but was speedily driven back.
 r} activity was 1H+o5 in tho Ypres section and enemy fire was lively south of Cambrai salient.
 ''Air raids in hostile territory were numerous not only in the theater of operations where German ammunition dumps near ROulerS and railheads and cantonments in Flanders proved good targets. but daylight attacks by air craft in force were carried out against German cities. The raid against Karlsruhe proved effective.
 "In the Italian theater the success of the preceding week has been large and extended.
 On Italian Front
 "Tho Italians successfully launched on three segments of the lines, 9 series of assaults resulting in a decided ad- vantage for their forces engaged. The
  Silo which brought about material extension of the Italian bridgehead along the lower Piave.
 "The second between Monte Tomba and the Monte Solari was a gain of positive value in that it greatly strengthened the Italian disposition in | this area.
 '"The third and by far the most inn p0rtant undertaking resulted in bring ing about consultations of Italian dis positions in the Monte Asolene sector which rendered stronger trench ee- ments heretofore not devoid of serious weakness
 ''This last achievement must be looked upon as essentially significant as it has removed the menace of the enemy being able to turn the Italian flank in the region of Monta Grippa.
 Tt will be seen that is now clear that the pressure of the Austrians in this area has been materially lessened.
 Aerial operations were intermit- tently active along the entire front and the British batteries rendered good service. Clear weather favored 1 the task of the aviators Numerous i hostile air raids took place directed 1 against centers in the Venetian plain 1 close to the fighting area.
 FThe enemy was busy bombing un- defended Italian towns. Padua and i Treviso were attacked in broad day i light. and numerous encounters be- i tween the Austrian and Italian air
 (COntinued On Ninth Page).