South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-01-28
PLAN U-BOAT
DRIVE ON j. s.
TRANSPORTS
SeC'y Baker Issues Warning
That Germans Plan Attack
on American Communi-
cation Lines.

WASHINGTON, Jan 2s-Warning
that the Germans are preparing for
great submarine offensive against
the American lines OF communica-
ton with France in connection with
the impending Teutonic drive against
the west front, is given by Sec'y
Baker in his weekly military review
made public tonight Dy the war de-
partment.
Recently there has been marked
decrease in the number OF allied
merchant ships sunk by submarines.
The explanation for this is found in
the withdrawal Of submarines in
preparation for the coming thrust on
land and sea. The review says
AS the times draws near when
once again the enemy will enceavor
20 strike a decisive blow in the west,
it must be emphasized that he will
not be content with mere military
operations on a large scale.
U-Boats Called Home.
During the past fortnight enemy
submarines have been recalled 10
home ports to be rehtted, and the
most powerful submarine offensive
hitherto undertaken may be expect
ed 10 be launched against our lines
Of communication with France, TO
interrupt the steady flow of men and
munitions for our own armies and
food supplies for the allies.
During the period under review,
renewed activity along the entire
western front is noted.
The region bordering the North
sea has once again become the scene
of severe lighting.
"A carefully cCordinated operation
undertaken by British monitors act
ing in concert with land batteries in
the area north of Ypres. subjected
the German defenses Of Ostend and
surrounding country TO a severe
commandment
No Infantry Action.
NO infantry action was attempted
in this sector by the British. but
later in the week the Germans re-
acted sharply and directed a strong
assault against the short sector of
the line in the Dune area, which
fringes the coast in the vicinity of
Newport This attack, which must
be considered something more than
a simple raid, broke into the French
lines and, for a brief period, the enc
my attachments were about TO at
tack the grounr in the advanced
trench outposts. The French speed
lily brought up fresh forces, drove
out the enemy, and were able TO re-
establish themselves in their former
positions without difficulty.
"In the Italian theatre. the i'm
portance of the successful French
assault in the region of the Monte
Tomba, three weeks ago. is proven
by the retreat of the enemy in this
area.
The enemy has abandoned an eX-
tensive tract OF terrain north OF the
Monte Tomba extending TO the
Pave The Austrian lines now rest
on the Monte Spinoncia.
Enemy AbandOnS Plan.
1T would appear that the enemy
has, for the time being, abandoned
his attempt to break through this
channel 10 the plain
The Austrians. while still strong
in this sector, nevertheless no longer
directly threaten the key positions Of
the italian line Increasing liveliness
of enemy artillery in the Val Lagar-
ina is recorded. IT is apparent that
the Austrians are carrying out their
plans of shifting their center of at
tack further 20 the west.
The Val Lagarina offers peculiar
attraction for an invasion of Italy
Il is a classic path of invaders COM
ing from the north. We may expect
that, should the opportunity seem
favorable. the enemy may attempt
an operation in this area.
Reports reach us of the increas-
ing restiveness of the Slav popuIa-
ton of Austria. more particularly
the Czechs
The general strike in Vienna and
other Upheavals throughout the
monarchy are assuming serious pro-
portions and they are no longer 10
be held of mere internal interest. but
Will inevitably react on the general
political situation.
I'm Russia peace negotiations have
continued with frequent Interrupt
tious.
I'm Palestine the British are ex-
tending their lines 10 the north. and
during the week advanced further i'm
the neighhorhood of Durah on a
front Of approximately four miles.
The victory OF the British over
the Turkish naval forces of the Oar
danelles must be regarded as an
event of especial military signih-
canoe
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