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Show CROWN PRINCE MOST HOPEFUL I jsays the Allies Cannot Break Through on the Somme Before Winter. Berlin, Sopt. 2S, 11:30 a. m., via London, Sept. 29, 10:i0 a. m., (delayed). (de-layed). The latest fighting on the Somme evidently has not shaken the confidence of German military leaders lead-ers In their ability to prevent the breach of their line. The Berliner Tageblatt's special war correspondent interviewed Crown Prince Rupprecht of Bavaria, commander of the German forces on the Somme, Tuesday. The crown prince is quoted as having hav-ing said that slnco the offensive began the entente allies had gained some ground, but there could bo no thought of this decisively changing the situation. situa-tion. "It is impossible to predict how things will go hereafter," said Prince Rupprecht, "but one thing is certain, namely, that wt have everything so thoroughly prepared that we are able to contemplate the situation with equanimity, whatever comes. The offensive of-fensive will certainly not reach an early end. "Wo can reckon upon an offensive of great persistence and with heavy attacks, accompanied by .an enormous expenditure of ammunition. But we have taken precautions, Our artillery has been reinforced and likewise our aeroplane corps, and our flyers have had fine successes in the last few days, although they have had hard fighting against Increased numbers. Our artillery derives advantages Irom the successful work of the aeroplanes, after having formerly been much ox-posed ox-posed to observation by hostile aviators. avia-tors. ''Our troops have been striking with tho utmost strength and the enemy has found tho nut too hard to crack. It Ib my distinct opinion that the enemy Is trying to force a decision at this spot and during this year, and, he has not yet succeeded. He will have to put up with a winter campaign and continuo his fighting next year." |