Five Mile Beach weekly journal., 1918-03-01

and are able to take observations and
make photographs almost without OPP
position. AS a result, the villages oc-
cupied by the Americans back of the
lines have been bombed repeatedly.
"a
In other respects Pershing's men are
holding their own finely, both the in
fantry and the artillery demonstrating
their entire readiness to meet the
drive of the enemy IL 1t should be
directed against their sector. This,
however, is not considered like
ly, as the Germans, If they gained any
ground there, would place themselves
in a wedge where they could be at
tackled on both sides by the allies.
Some authorities have expressed the
belief that Hindenburg will attack not
only on the west front, but in Italy and
the Balkans as well at the same time,
making his strongest efforts on the
latter fronts. Others, and these are
supported by the statements of pris-
oners, are sure the Hun will make his
supreme effort at two points on the
west front. General Maurice, British
director of military operations, said
on Wednesday there had been no de-
velopments during the last two weeks
to indicate that the German offensive
was near. This Is not in accord with
the information that has been coming
to America, but If anyone knows con-
ditions and what they indicate, 1t
should be General Maurice.
Switzerland has become much exer-
cised over the massing of Teutonic
troops near her frontier, and fears that
her neutrality will be violated as ruth
lessly as was that of Belgium. This
might happen If Hindenburg decided
to attempt to turn the right flank of
the French army, and the results might
be serious, for the French-Swiss 'front.'
Ter Is not strongly protected.
In Palestine the British are steadily
forging forward. To the east and
northeast of Jerusalem several adj
IN were made during the week, de-
spite resistance by the Turks, and at
last advices the British were within
four miles, of Jericho.
Ia
Premier Lloyd-G George weathered an
other crisis last week, maintaining his
position by frankness and frmness
combined and offering to resign IL par
lament felt like refusing him a vote
of confidence. 1t all came about
through his adherence to the program
adopted by the Versailles council for a
more unified control'o of wal operations
by all the allies. Gen. Sir William
Robertson, chief of staff, would not
hold his position In these circum-
stances, and it was given to Gen. Sir
Henry Wilson. Something of a storm
resulted, but the premier did not yield.
He said the extension of powers of
the supreme council was in accordance
with the proposal of the United States.
which was almost Identical with those
of the other governments, and that the
policy of Great Britain In this mat
ter was the policy of France, Italy
and America. This satisfied most of
the premier's critics, though what the
program of the council Is has not been
military circles there is a belief that
the council decided to strike the en-
envy without waiting for him to make
his spring drive.
Two more air raids on London
occurred during the week. Together
they resulted in the death of 27 per-
sons. Over on the continent the allied
aviators made repeated raids on
Treves, Thionville and other towns, as
we'll as on Zeebrugge. Many tons of
explosives were dropped on barracks,
railways, airdromes and other targets.
with excellent results. In the numer-
Gus air fights the British and French
flyers easily maintained their superb
ority.
Ia
The list of British vessels sunk by
submarines again decreased In num-
bers, but the weeks reports included
the t%orpedoing of the French steam
er La Dives in the Mediterranean on
February 1, with the loss of ITO men.
"a
Following a conference of ENJOYS Of
the allies with Director General Nc
Adoo on ways and means to mov food
stuffs from the middle West to the sea-
board, so they can be shipped to Eur
rope, Mr.. Hoover issued an urgent app
peal to the American people to do bet.
ter than they have been doing in the
matter of food conservation, warning
them that they must be prepared to
endure a domestic food shortage with
Il