New-York tribune., 1918-02-21
Allies Ready to Meet
German Drive in West

army. A. break through was possible
in Russia only after tho morale of
the Russians had been undermined; the
same was true in Italy, and we wit
messed how speedily the Italian line
WAS mendcd
During the week there has been
much activity of a minor character
along the entire Western front
AS has already been announced, in
Lorraine a segment of the line is en-
tlrcly under the control of our forces
Along our front patrol encounters
were numerous. The Germans under
took a raid against our positions and
succeeded in int|icting few casual
ties. small American patrol, while
scouting IN No Mans Land, was am
pushed by the enemy
1.-The weather was very rainy during
the first part OF the week. and our
troops were busy manning the pumps
in an effort to keep their trenches dry
Later clear weather prevailed and hos
tile aircraft made frequent flights to
Improvement in our anti-aircraft bar
rage is reported. Artillery ducls took
place, and the Germans showered our
lines with gas shells, which, however,
caused no casualties, owing to efficient
gas mask protection.
"Tn Champagne units of American ar
tillcry participated in an engagement
undertaken by French forces. This
operation was the most important of
the week in the West After very
careful artillery preparation. during
fully, French infantry advanced to the
assault southwest of the Butte du
Mcsnil along Il front of about l,400
yards. The French succeeding in
penetrating the German positions.
broke through the second and reached
the third German line. During this
brisk attack tho French destroyed
many enemy shelters. inflicted much
damage TO enemy positions, besides
bringing back $50 prisoners.
"Othcr successful raids were under
taken by French detachmcnts in the
vicinity of the Chemin dcs Danes, east
of Rheims, in upper Alsacc and else
where. In all. the French drove for
ward twelve very fortunate rcconnois
sancc undertakings along different
parts OF the line.
German units were also active.
Their attempts to reach the French
lines were temporarily successful in the
vicinity OF BezonvauX and in Alsace
However, seven German raid at vari"
Gus other points broke down. French
GIllIlSIN kept inc enemy COIiSldltiS
engaged along a widely scattered area
"The British front was also the
scene of numerous minor engagements
No important actions took place, and
the enemy. who was evidently busy
with the grouping of units and dispos-
ing fresh forces recently arrived from
other theatres, in the front line. under
took only such accommodating engage
ments as to familiarize the new units
with the nature Of the terrain in front
of them.
"In the Italian theatre the enemy has
again assumed an aggressive atti-
tude.
"Thc concentration Of an importan;
body OF German cavalry in the vicinity
of Riga is noted. and it is believed that
the Germans may find it cXpcdient t.
advance on Pctrograd. 1t is difficult to
determine the exact status of affairs iii
southwestern Russia. The Russian
contlngents are evacuating the Arme-
nian centres south of the Black Sea-
which are being reoccupied by Turkish
detachments. Trebizond will probably
soon fall into Turkish hands.
at is important to record that large
contingents OF Arabs are joining the
forces of the Sheik of Mecca, who is CO.
operating with the British.
The Arabs have defeated the Turks
in two encounters, occupied FL March,
southeast Of the Dead Sea. and arc ad-
vancing along the Hediaz railway tow
ard Maan."