This is now an accomplished fact, as is generally known, and can
therefore be explained in some detail without detriment. Mention will
also be made of the gradual development up to Oct. 20 in the nature of
the operations in this quarter of the theatre of war, which has recently
come into such prominence.
In its broad lines the transfer of strength by one combatant during the
course of a great battle which has just been accomplished is somewhat
remarkable. It can best be compared with the action of the Japanese
during the battle of Mukden, when Gen. Oku withdrew a portion of his
force from his front, moved it northward behind the line, and threw it
into the fight again near the extreme left of the Japanese armies.
In general direction, though not in scope or possible results, owing to
the coast line being reached by the Allies, the parallel [Transcriber:
original 'parellel'] is complete. The Japanese force concerned, however,
was much smaller than ours and the distance covered by it was less than
that from the Aisne to the Franco-Belgian frontier. Gen. Oku's troops,
moreover, marched, whereas ours were moved by march, rail, and motor.
What was implied in the actual withdrawal from contact with the enemy
along the Aisne will be appreciated when the conditions under which we
were then situated are recalled.
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