Missouri Valley times. [volume] (Missouri Valley, Iowa) 1874-1931, 1920-01-08

while the Russian revolution was well
under way, and by the midsummer
of 1917 the final collapse of that gov.
eminent WAS almost certain.
The relatively low strength of the
German forces on the western front
led the allies, with much confidence,
to attempt decision on this front;
but the losses were very heavy and
the effort signally failed. The failure
caused serious reaction. especially
on French morale. both In the army
and throughout the country. and at
tempts to carry out extensive or COM
bined operations were indefinitely sus-
pended.
Sank Millions Of Tons.
In the Eve months ending June 30
German submarines had accomplished
the destruction of more than 3,250. 600
tons of allied shipping. During three
years Germany had seen practically all
her offensives except Verdun crowned
with success. Her battle lines were
stood every allied attack since the
Marine. The German general staff
could now foresee the complete elm
inatioh of Russia, the possibility of de-
feating Italy before the end of the
year and, finally. the campaign Of 1918
against the French and British on the
western front which might. terminate
the war.
1t cannot be said that German hopes
of final victory were extravagant.
either as viewed at that time or as
viewed in the light of history. Flnan-
cial problems OF the allies were diff
cult. supplies were becoming exhaust
ed and their armies had suffered ire
mendous losses. Encouragement ex-
listed not only among the civil popula-
ton but throughout the armies as well.
Such was the allied morale that.
although their superiority on the west
ern front during the last half of 1916
and dufAng 1917 amounted TO 20 per
cent, only local attacks could be under.
taken. and their effect proved wholly
insufficient against the German de.
Tense. Allied resources in man power
at home were low and there was little
prospect Of materially increasing their
armed strength, even In the face of the
probability Of having practically the
whole military strength of the Central
Powers against them In the spring OF
1918.
This was the state of affairs that ex
listed when we entered the war. While
our action gave the allies much encOur.
agement. yet this was temporary, and
review Of conditions made 1t appnr
ent that America must make supreme
material effort as soon as possible
After duly considering the tonnage pos
sibilities cabled the following tt
Washington on July 6, 1917:
"Plans should contemplate sending
over at least 100000 men by nexl
May" A genera. Organization project
covering as far as possible the person
mel of all combat. staff and admins
trative units. was forwarded to Wash
fngton on July IL. In this stated:
Needed 1000. 600 Men.
ut is evident that force of about
100000 Is the smallest unit which II
modern war will be complete. we'll
balanced and independent fighting or
ganization. However. II must b,
equally clear that the adoption of thi!
size force as basis of study should
not be construed as representing tn,
maximum force which should be sen
4 to or which will be needed In France
| 1t Is taken as the force which may b,
expected to- reach France ip time TO
an offensive in 1918. and as unit ant
basis of organization. Plans for tn,
future should be based, especially Il
reference to the manufacture of artil
lery, avintion and other material. OF
three times this force-i. e.. at leas
100000 men,"
Resolved on an Offensive.
Before developing plans for a line y
communications II was necessary t
/ decide upon the probable sector Of In
front for the eventual employment Of
distinctive American force. Our mis-
sion was offensive aud IL was essentia
to make plans for striking the enem
where a definite military decision
could be gained. While the allie
armies had endeavored to maintain tn
offensive. the British. In order to guar
the channel ports. were committed I
operations In Flanders and tile Frenc
to the portion of the front protectin
Paris. Both lacked troops to operat
elsewhere on large scale.
To the east the great fortified dis
trict east of Verdun and around Met