London States Situation Grim But No Reason To Lose Heart; Sedan-Maubeuge "Bulge" Wider London, May 20. [73s authoritatively stated that the position in France can be summed up as follow: "It can be said all actions carried out by the enemy failed despite powerful artillery support and success sive infantry attacks." From Montmedy to the Rhine and along the Rhine there is nothing to report, it is stated. In northern Belgium the Allies continue strategic: movements in very satis~ factory conditions without any serious enemy interference. From authoritative circles in London it was learned today that while the situation still was undoubtedly "pretty grim," there is no reason to lose heart or confidence, The Belgians are fighting magnificently. The Allied withdrawal has been carried out with conspicuous skill and no material has been abandoned. It is pointed out that geographically the position is much better than it was over the week-end. The situation remains serious, even grave, at certain points, but has not been considerably modified in the past 24 hours, it is authoritatively stated in London, The trouble is in the "bulge" between Sedan and Maubeuge. As far as can be seen from latest reports, the base of the bulge has been slightly widened but not very much deeper. The general direction of movement is to the north-west, where progress from the German viewpoint has been slow, though' slight advance has been made.
'There has been no notable di fence in the military, situation during the past 24 hours, Havas was informed this morning. Ab 1143 am. today the situation could be summed up' as follows: strategical movements on the left. wing were continued, relentless Yesistance of Allied forees east Cambrai, and continuance of the German' push in the Saint Quentin region. In Belgium, the strategic withdrawal of Allied troops continued In good order. The British forces elled German attacks with their Fear-guard units.
It is dimeult to analyse the exact situation here asthe Germans are reported to be at different places, and itis extremely hard to decide when ther there are strong forces at these particular points or merely a fow armoured ents and' tanks, German and French forces apparently are mixed up. In certain places: the "Germans may be behind the French lines but equally the French fin other cases may be behind the German lines. This morning Paris stated that all, enemy efforts in the past 24 hours "on other parts of the, front" had been successfully—repulsed.
"oles Steadily Plugged"
Therefore it ts clear there is no reason to lose heart or confidence,
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