battalion intelligence officers, from evidence received by ground observation, aerial observation and
photographs, the statements of prisoners, and other sources.
The one element in the “estimate of the situation” still a bit doubtful was “intentions of the
enemy.” Several matters are worthy of note in this connection. In the first place, it was evident that the
enemy would hold on to every inch of soil here in order not to sacrifice what remained of the big armies
still retreating from the Laon salient toward Germany, Then there was the quality of the divisions
opposing the 90th Division – first class; and the sort of resistance they offered – to the death. At the
same time it was necessary to keep in mind the possibility of a retirement or a break through at any time,
and the American armies must be prepared to take up the pursuit.
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