The Washington herald., 1918-01-28
BAKER WARNS
AGAINST new
U-BOAT DRIVE
Secretary Says Germans Are
Mobilizing Against U. S.
Transports.


powerful submarine offensive yet un-
'dertaken by Germany may be expected
soon against our lines OF communi-
cation, Secretary of War Bakers
weekly review Of the European war
was issued last night.
"As the time draws near" he says.
when once again the enemy will en-
deavor to strike a decisive blow in the
West, it must be emphasized that he
will not be content with mere mill
tary operations on a large scale"
secretary's Statement. y
Secretary Bakers statement follows:
During the past fortnight enemy
submarines have been recalled to home
ports to be refitted and the most pow
erful submarine offensive hitherto un-
dertaken may be expected to be
launched against our lines Of commui-
cation with France. to interrupt the
steady flow of men and munitions for
our armies and Of supplies for the
allies.
During the period under review. re-
newed activity along the entire West
ern front is noted.
''The region bordering the North Sea
has once again become the scene OF
severe fighting
mo infantry action was attempted
in this sector by the British, but later
in the week the Germans reacted
sharply and directly a strong assault
against the short sector OF the line
in the dune area, which fbnges the
coast in the vicinity Of Nisnport- This
attack, which must be considered
something more than a single raid,
broke into the French ines and for a
brief period the enemy detachments
were able to hold their ground in the
advance French outposts. The French
speedily brought up fresh forces,
drove out the enemy and were able
to re-establish themselves In their
former position without difficulty.
THE Germans sent out a aNmber
Of raiding parties and patrols along
various sectors of the British front
from Ypres south to st. Quentin.
These were only minor undertakings,
nothing more than scouting expedi-
tons
Along the French front numerous
encounters took place.
TN the Italian theater the impor-
tance of the successful French as
sault in the region Of Monte Tomba
three weeks ago is proven by the re-
treat of the enemy in this area.
THE enemy has abandoned an ex-
tensive tract of terrain north of the
Monte Tomba. extending TO the
Paive. The Austrian lines now rest
on the Monte Spinoncia-
Austrians Lose Force.
ut would appear that the enemy
has for the time being abandoned his
attempt to break through this chan
mel to the plain.
The Austrians. while still strong
in this sector, nevertheless no longer
the Italian line
THE 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
"a change in the Austrian higher
ID diliiOuliSCd N1NAis
has been placed in supreme command.
Reports reach us Of the increasing
restiveness of the Slav population of
Austria, more particularly the Czechs.
THE general strike in Vienna and
other upheavals throughout the mon
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 politi-
cal situation.
"In Russia peace negotiations have
continued with frequent interruptions.
THE victory of the British over the
Turkish naval forces off the Dar-
danelles must be mentioned as an
event of especial military significance.
observers coming from Constanti-
nople very recently informed us that
as long as Constantinople remained un-
der the guns of the former German
cruisers Goeben and Breslau the Turks
would necessarily continue under the
domination of the Germans"