South Bend news-times. (South Bend, Ind.) 1913-1938, 1918-01-08
BAKER THINKS
GREAT DRIVE
IS DUE SOON
Says Time Has Been Required
For Germans to Bring Up
Support For Their Con-
tempIated Attack.
International News Service:

AANtiUAluud1 news NfIhlNts
WASHINGTON. Jan. S-Cred.
ence in reports that the long herald
ed German offensive is soon to begin
is expressed by Sec'y OF War Baker
in his weekly review OF the military
situation today. II Will possibly be
the kaiser's greatest assault, ne de-
clares. because the German high
command has so long delayed but
he expresses complete confidence
that the British and French can be
relied upon TO hold the line.
Sec'y Baker reveals the allies
knowledge that Germany is prepar-
ing an attempt 20 wrest Jerusalem
from the British in an effort TO
hearten her Turkish ally. Informa-
ton has been received, he writes,
that first line troops are being NOV
ed from the Caucasus and MesOpO-
tamia TO the neighborhood of the
Holy City.
The seCretary's review which COW
ers the week ending Jan. 3. fol-
lows:
six weeks have elapsed since the
first rumors reached us of the great
thrust in the west. which the enemy
then announced as imminent.
I'm order to concentrate large
troop masses, adequate artillery
and ample reserves of munitions.
much time is required.
Important Action Soon.
Though the German higher COM
mand has so long delayed before
beginning operations, advices receiv-
ed seemingly confirm the informa-
ton that important action are con-
templated along the western front.
They may be counted upon TO
strain every fibre of their remaining
strength i'm an endeavor to make
their plans succeed.
I'm considering the general mill
tary situation on the eve OF possi-
ble German offensive. 1t must be re-
called that through 16 successive
battles of great magnitude in Flan-
ders. the British have every time
come out victorious and pushed
steadily ahead Their gains have
been me:hodicaI and cumulative.
The Germans have during this
long series Of major operations in
variably been forced to give way.
French stand Like Rock.
THE French stood like a rock at
Verdun and soon after drove for
ward vigorously in the battle of the
Somme. and in turn played a great
part in the repeated drives in Flan-
ders.
THE impending German assault
will possibly be their greatest. The
French and British armies can be
relied upon 10 withstand the shock.
The entire front from the North
sea TO the Swiss border was very
active. The Germans continued their
widely scattered thrusts while the
French and British parried with
numerous reconnoitering raids and
careful Patrolling.
They remained on the qui vive
taking note of every minor change
in the German order of battle.
keeping closely informed on hostile
troop movements and concentra-
tons.
Attack at Cambrai.
I'm the Cambria area the enemy
undertook ar attack in force. Here
the Germans. in attempting a flank
ing movement which had as its inn
mediate objective the further mar
rowing down OF the British salient
we're able 20 penetrate and hold
temporarily certain British trench
elements south Of NarcoinE This
action was conducted with great
energy. The British Immediately
countered and we're able 90 recap
ture a part of their lost positions.
Another hostile thrust was un-
dertaken close 20 the Canal du
Nord. where the enemy scored a
local advantage. as he was able
slightly u press hack the British
southeast Of Lens the enemy
made a renewed attempt 20 reach
the British outposts, but this as
sault collapsed before any result
could be attained; while the Brit
ish later ir the week advanced their
trenches IN this area.
Minor Raids by Both sides.
Minor raids were carried on
Throughout the week by both the
British and Germans Numerous
patrol encounters We're also report
ed
Intense artillery bom mhardraents
ir the Lens and Cambria sectors
would indicate that the enemy has
selected this terrain for a concen.
trated assault
After lighting on the defensive
FOR two weeks. the Italians. frruly
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