Richmond times-dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1914-current, 1918-04-02

! to obtain information concerning the
most minute detail OF the America n
Army. This is disclosed by u captured
German document, which instructs
every observer and patrol 10 do his
or IT'S best ITO bring information about
/ the new enemy"
/ The captured document starts out by
( giving details that arc known. such as
those regarding the American uniform.
and adds that the infantry is equipped
partly with English rifles and that the
artillery probably has French guns. I,
SAYS that American troops will con-
t!nuc training in France. adding: Moth.
Ing Is known as yet about the methods
or fighting or leadership
From the preceding meager details"
II continues. sit is evident that sectors
and NJ have the honorablc task OF
obtaining as much Information rs pos
siblc on particular features OF Amcri.
can lighting and outpost tactics. THIS
Will then be used FOR extending the
| information bulletin. Amy observation
or Identification, however insignificant
may be OF the creates, value In con-
ncction with Information already at
hand"
Attention then is drawn 10 "selt evil
dent questions" which observers pa
trolls and outposts are expected 10 md
answers for. Under the heading the
cncmy's security" the document says:
Are sentry posts sentry posts Q.
stronger pests? Further advanced re-
conno!tcrtng patrols" Manner OF chal-
longing? Behavior on post during day
and night? Vigilance? Ambush ;ac-
ties and cunning?
.EIA-
occasion? DO the posts hold ;hci.
ground or tho approach OF pI;roi
or do they fall back: 30 they give
harraEe Are signals When arc the
relicfs sGd wha, is the behavior dur
Ing them' Have they any ligh: Sis
nails other than French one?"
Under Enemy Patrols" the doouiren:
asks details on Strength methods Of
advance. behavior on meeting and in!-
tiativc." These questions come under
information on general behavior:
Are the Americans careful and eau
tlous: And are they careful or noisy?
What is their behavior during smoke
screens? What Is their behavior At
incal times: When arc these? can
concentration be observed? Is there
much rcconuoIicringo How is the be-
havior day and night? Is there much
machine gun firing? Is there more or
less transport of material than for
mrrly?'
The Germans also want TO know
wjcthc: during reiicfs there are more
troops in the rear than there is custo-
mary With the French. and what arc
the times and sounds OF rclcfs. II is
said that used infantry and machine
gun bullets, uneAplodtd shells and
Shell sulintcrs are Of special value.
The Germans want TO know whether
tho copper rotating bands have sharp
inciSiuns. indicating new or worn-"ut
guns. the c.lihcr Of which can hc do
tcrmincd by the curvature Of the splin;-
crE according to tho document
lniorma tion regarding th> color and
outside appearance OF projectilcs fired
BY The Americans also is desired The
German soldiers are ordered 10 keep
fuses. Splintcrs or shells and shell bases
having factory initials ans numbers.
Many or the above items. while an
parentiy trivial it is pointed out by
intelligence officers, indicate why the
censorship has been Obliged to delete
certain matter from press dispatches.
Slrcc the captured document Mas, is
sued the Germans naturally have found
answers to many Of the questions. bat
ahout the others the American cXpcdi-
tonary force believes Il still has tho
enemy gncSSinc