Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1918-03-27
SAY FURTHER RETREAT
COULD NOT,BE STRATEGY
Ground Gained or Lost at Present
Of Little Value, War Diagnos-
ticians Assert.

the Berlin official reports the Germans
have pushed across this line for in
consequential distances, the farthest
points the Germans have not reached
which the British now are holding firm
Is that on which they are prepared to
Offer strongest resistance.
Some disappointment was expressed
that the British had not. stopped tho
Prussian onset five miles or SO in ad-
vance of this line. But it was stated
there might be excellent reasons for
their withdrawal to their present posi-
lions; reasons connected with a coun-
ter offensive, and also with the allied
continue to sustain lossee which ap-
parently are at a heavier ratio than
those of the allies
United States Boys in Action.
But further withdrawal by the
British. it was stated, hardly could be
for strategic reasons. Officers believe
the reports of the participation of
American troops at Roye indicate a
portion of the Americans with the re-
serve force created at the Versailles
conference may be in action.
Despite the frank recognition that
today or tomorrow may mark a critical
stage in present operations, officers
here found number of grounds for
deep satisfaction in official reports
For one thing it is believed that the
orderly withdrawal of the British
forces has established a ratio of losses
at least two to one, and perhaps higher.
in favor OF the allies. The ground
gained or lost in the present operation
is of negligible military value, and If
the Germans are stopped the real mill
tary gain would be with the allies.
except for the rejuvenation of German
military and civil morale as a result
of the advance.
Believe Drive Political.
Many Army officers do not believe
that the Germans hoped to penetrate
gone. They do not think that Germany
had any genuine hope of pushing
either to Paris or to the channel.
They argue the real reason Of the
tremendous drive at a heavy loss is po-
litical, in that Germany hoped to show
she is as strong al the allies at their
strongest point. By this means. these
officers contend, the Germans desired to
give demonstration to neutrals and, al
lies that GssniHtary decision could mot
way for more efforts toward diplomatic
peace move at Germany's own terms.
Further source of satisfaction is found
In the reports. which are principally
Of divisions of reserves which Germany
has called into action. At the outset of
her drive last week Germany had 1876
divisions along the entire western front
Ordinarily half of these would be held
back Of the actual fighting lines in case
Of counter offensive.
But of these ninety or more divisions
held in. reserve, one estimate is that
thirty-three were called into action the
first day, ten more the second and ten
now has, on this basis. but thirty or
so divisions Of reserves-not enough to
enable her to continue her drive with
present losses at the original impetus.
Would. Counter Attack.
Should the present action last over a
period Of weeks. of course, the troops
sent back which were relieved by the
reserve divisions would be ready for
fighting again. But long before that,
and expected by some within forty
eight hours or SO. tactics would call for
counter Offensive movement ON the
part gof the British. Reports from
British headquarters have intimated
that such a movement is Contemplated.
Where the allied forces will strike
back is matter of pure conjecture,
army officers state. Under usual con-
ditions the present developments might
call for counter attack at another
terrain at many points where, ON map
strategy alone. such an operation might
be indicated would make it impossible
at this time
Consequently the counter move may
come from the same points toward which
the Germans have been driving.
But for the terrain, 1t was stated, the
French might have advanced at the point
of the junction Of their army with the
British forces. Such an operation seems
ideal on the map. but might not be feasible
because Of other conditions.
Movements of the so-called Versailles
reserve" are not known here. Neither is
the size of this force indicated IT has
been in course Of formation Speculation
was heard today on the possibility Of its
striking from the south of the Oise thus
executing a movement on the flank Of the
advanced German troops, which already
and have been repulsed, it is indicated BY
day reports, at Albert, which enhances
che wedge formation and the disadyan-
tages Of a further German advance.
Depends on Strength.
This operation has established one
fact more strongly, which already has
been pointed out by military experts.
that the territory of the present fjphf
ing can hardly be held securely if the
opposing forces approach even strength.
Slow German progress over this Ter
day, in conjunction with the yiporous
British resistance. increased the nos
sibility that there have been Immense
German losses. it was said These losses
tend not only to ultimate depletion Of
Germany's fighting power, but thew
serve to slow up her present OFFENSIVE
Therefore, the chances are believed
to be slim that she can break through
the British lines Such a break could
be effective only if she had enongh
man and gun power to hold the adj
vanced position. In other words. a
freak penetration" no matter how
spectacular. would mean no perma-
nent gain.
Some officers believe that other Of
fensives. either on the Italian or Sa-
loniki front. are extremely likely. They
point out that Germany has executes
q drive OF sufficient momentum to en-
gage reinforcements which othervise
might be rushed to other points. Hence
1t Is likely that the Austrians might
take this opportunity of pressing