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the Russians, the Italians, the shortage of copper,
the lack of rubber, the depreciation of the mark,
starvation - one 'Aunt Sally' after another -
anything rather than our own warlike efforts.

What is going to happen? Certainly, the
German attack on Verdun must be delaying
our offensive. But when and where is that
offensive going to be made? Ever since Xmas
the rumour has been that the British will
attack from the Southern Area. Whether that
is true or not, I don't know. But I am
quite sure that if we do attack there we shall
not achieve anything great. In my opinion,
the attack should be made from the Ypres
salient, It is not impossible, given sufficient
artillery preparation & enough fresh troops,
to break the line and seize Menin & Roulers.