More gains - can enemy endure much more?

Field-Marshal Haig gives an interesting account of the enormously strong defences which were captured by our troops:“one of the enemy’s most important strongholds on the Western Front”.

And he describes the development of the attack in which the whole British force acted with perfect combination.

Nineteen deep mines were exploded simultaneously beneath the enemy’s defences just before our infantry assault was launched.

On Friday last week we organised our gains south of Ypres and German counter-attacks were repulsed. So far we have taken over 7000 prisoners and more than 20 guns. Many guns are still buried in the ruins of the German position. Our airmen did valuable service and prevented enemy aircraft from taking part in the battle.

And in a message of congratulations to the general commanding the Second Army FieldMarshal Haig says the victory at the Messines Ridge proves conclusively that it is only a question of how much longer the Germans can endure a repetition of such blows.

He said:“The great success gained has brought us a long step nearer to the final victorious end of the war.”

In a message to the Russian provisional government President Wilson sets forth America’s position in the war and states that she seeks no material profit or aggrandisement of any kind. Americans are fighting for the liberty and undictated development of all peoples.