Developments

Germans pushed back

British troops engaged

Early retreat predicted

Official news continues to wear a smiling countenance and unofficial messages cheerfully dot the I and cross the T of the uncensored and uncensorable communiques.

The Germans are apparently not yet at Ostend and the fears with regard to Calais have derived no support from information actually available.

It is unfortunate that a fresh restriction has been imposed upon the press with regard to comment on a situation at the point in which the public are profoundly interested, but without going into details it is safe to say that the situation is extremely promising.

Strange rumours, some of an impossible character are afloat but the indication generally is that the German forces operating against our elongated left are in a position from which extrication is only possible by generalship equal to the very best.

Among the messages that have reached us today is one, via Copenhagen, to the effect that owing to the Russians failing to make progress it is contemplated immediately to send a great mass of troops from the eastern to the western battle field for an advance on Paris.

This transfer, it is alleged, has already begun, but if there is any truth in the story it may also be regarded as showing that the German general staff have realise the peril in which travellers to the French capital are placed.

Our own press bureau stated late last night that British troops had been engaged with the enemy towards the left of the allies line with the result that the Germans have been pushed back slightly on their flank.

This announcement particularly after their long silence, coupled with other news, shows that important operations are in progress both in the Northern section of Belgium and in Northern France.

It is well not to encourage too high hopes but it would be just as unwise to ignore the fact that a feeling of optimism is growing.

The Times correspondent whose message has reached us in accordance with our news service arrangements, states that the German army which for months has been trampling on Northern France is preparing to retire, and the conclusion is that the Grand army has not the strength to advance so it must retire.

This optimistic declaration must not be misunderstood.

The retirement may not commence yet perhaps not for another week or more and there will be many desperate ventures on the part of the enemy before hope is abandoned and these efforts from their very nature may here and there meet with a measure of success.

But now, as all along since that first disastrous retreat, the enemy can do no more than score partial successes.

He is beaten and we have only to wait to see how badly.