The German wedge approaching the sea. is exactly the same in form-and width as the original break-through at Sedan which the Premier, M. Paul Reynaud, yesterday frankly described as a military disaster. The Germans fore through the 38-mile hole left in the Ardennes border by the withdrawal of the Ninth Army which failed to destroy the bridges over the Mouse, They took full advantage the opening. but the French mediately strengthened the Sedan hinge to the south to prevent the Maginot Line from being turned. tance of Arras London, May 22.
The recapture of Arras by Allied troops today was of vital significance future operations on the western front, as Atras will be used by the Allies as 0 base for further counter faltacks, according to British military observers here.
Arras, these quarters pointed out, san important railroad junction and was for atime the British General Headquarters. Latest reports showed that Arras was in flames after heavy street fighting between Allied troops fand German advance guards.
I was in Arras a few days ago when, the Germans were beginning their bir attack in that sector, reports the United Press Correspondent, "The houses of that town were gaping ruins. Later the Germans were reported to have redoubled their at-facks. The railroad station at Arras few days ago was almost obliterated ud roads and bridges were blown up. Fires raged in many parts of the town. "A British officer told me yesterday that it would be impossible for anyone who was in Arras a week ago to recognize it today."—United Press.
The Germans, however, had their joyes on the sea. Instead of trying to turn the Maginot Line at its northern fend. at Meaieres, when such a drive would have been comparatively possible, they headed for the sea.
Some French military experts contend that was a tactical error and that the Germans were blinded by their hatred of Britain. They contend there are no great gains possible even if the Germans do get control of the French channel ports because Ger-ararly cannot bring ships there to Tauneh an invasion of Britain on count of the mined entrance of the channel—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.