Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1918-03-08
TROOPS AND SUPPLIES FOR
PERSH|NC'S MEN ON SCHEDULE
Substantial American Army Already in Trench
es on Western Front - May Be at Least Mil
lion American Troops in France During 1918
Expect Allied Offensive in April or May -
German Steps Thought Defensive

Washington, March Troops and
supplies for Gen. Pershing's forces now
are moving TO France on schedule
time 1t was learned today on high a'l-
thority. While figures may not be pub
lished, it was stated positively thai
transportation requirements Of the
navy are being met by the Shipping
Board and the immediate situation as
to ships are described as satisfactory,
Scan Western Front Reports
In view of this assurance that he
United States will be able to MAINTAIN
it's place as a fighting unit on the bat
tie front. reports from the western
front are being scanned more eagerly
than ever by officers here for the first
signs Of the 1918 campaign II is felt
strongly that the opening of major op
erations in what President Wilson has
predicted will prove the decisive year
of the great war will not be much long
or delayed. Mud has been the deter-
mining factor of many previous west
ern front operations. So Ions as the
ground is soft with the winter rains. it
is impossible to move forward great
guns and necessary transport trains to
support an advancing line.
Even in Flanders, however, indira
tons this year are that the ground vii!
harden early in the spring. permitting
rrises planned.
April Month Of offensives
In previous years. April has seen
offensive operations set in motion by
the allies For that reason many Off
GERS here seem to anticipate raiding and
minor assaults before the middle Of
next month which will Show in them
selves that the ground is being mapped
informa ton obtained and local STRAIT
egic advantages established by one
side or the other in preparation for a
great effort.
To others it appeared probable that no
offensive will be undertaken on any con-
siderable scale before May l. They found
that view on reports that the French f.
fensive in 1916 started in April proved 10
be at least two weeks too early. The guns
and transports could not be brought for
ward to consolidate all the ground the
troops were able to wrest from German,
control
German Steps Defensive
Meanwhile during the last few days
there has been less sign Of a German OF
fensive on the western front There :.re
observers here who have never been con-
vinced that the Germans actually intend
ed to attempt another drive at the Chan
mel ports or to Paris. To these officers.
the admitted concentration forces has
seemed a defensive rather than an off m
sive step. They believe that the German
general staff foresaw a great Allied Of
fensive this year and were moving to Off
set it.
While much has been said. both Off
cially and unofficially. Of an expected
German offensive, nothing as 10 probaol.
aggressive measures by the Allied forces
has come over the cables This fact ~,
attracted particular attention because Of
the reiterated official declarations tina,
the Allied line outmatches the German
In gun and man power and in view of
the formation during the winter of the
Supreme War Council designed to make
warfare more aggressive on the part If
the Allies and the United States.
substantial American army is al
ready In the trenches on the western fron.
and Secretary Baker has indicated that
there may be at least a million American
troops in France during 1918