April 27, 1918 - Don Martin writes on what German prisoners are saying about the war

Don Martin diary entry for Saturday, April 27, 1918: 

Censor’s office told us the Boche has made a raid on the Americans. Gregg, Lieut. [C.] Reynolds (chief censor) and I went to Boucq and to a hospital well up toward the German lines but found the raid was only a barrage. 
Got back at 4. Made a 700 word cable for New York on what Hun prisoners have said about conditions. Am somewhat discouraged with the news situation. Can’t write anything that is not helpful to Allied cause. I wouldn’t anyhow but the restriction is too rigid.

German offensive grows in intensity. French holding; British yielding. Americans not in the fight.

At last a good day! Warm and sun shining
       Don Martin and the other correspondents had a lot of problems getting their dispatches through the censors. Here is a photo of three censors at Neufchateau in April 1918: Left-to-right: Lt. George B. Parks, Lt. C. J. Mangin and Lt. C. Reynolds.

Censors at Neufchateau, April 25, 1918
(National Archives, 111-SC-11340)

       Don Martin's cable dispatch on the German prisoners was written Saturday night, April 27, and dated Sunday. It was published in the New York Herald on Monday, April 29, 1918.

HANDWRITING ON THE WALL SEEN BY GERMAN PRISONERS, DAZED AT AMERICAN PREPARATION IN FRANCE

Their Hopes of Victory Waning as They Feel Power of Captors

TOLD AMERICANS WERE VERY EASY TO DEFEAT

Admit They Have No Chance of Triumph 
if They Fail to Get Channel Ports

By DON MARTIN

[Special cable to the Herald]

WITH THE AMERICAN ARMY IN FRANCE, Sunday

           German prisoners captured by the Americans give a new picture of the present attitude of the rank and file of the Hun army. While some are insolent, supercilious and insulting when mentioning Americans, others see the writing on the wall and want to quit.

          One German, who is more intelligent than the rest, says that while every German a year ago was confident of victory there is a feeling of uncertainty now. The government formerly preached victory with conquests everywhere, including the crushing of France, the humbling of England, the complete subjugation of Russia and a probable  levy on America. Now the army leaders say, the present battle is certain to end in a smashing victory for Germany and the attainment of all war aims, but the soldiers are taking a different view since knowing the truth about the Americans preparation. 

           The official word was given by the German army that America has in Europe only a hundred thousand troops, which is only a handful, and that they are to be destroyed as soon as England is eliminated. The officers told the soldiers it was impossible for America to get soldiers enough in Europe to menace a German victory. The officers, this prisoner says, and the soldiers now know that American has many ready to fight now.

Dangerous Foe to Germans

           The Prussians have learned in a few skirmishes that our men learn swiftly and have become a dangerous foe. The Germans are beginning to suspect their own government of wilful deception. They say the newspapers at home print stories of great victories on the western front, with the certainty of overwhelming victory, but the soldiers doubt the truth of these reports and say frankly that Germany is putting every ounce of energy into the present combat and sacrificing men like sheep because it is evident to the people of Germany and the soldiers too that if the Germans fail to gain command of English Channel ports and cut off the British there is no possible chance of a German triumph.

           The German soldiers are in good physical condition, although they say the food supply has been cut down. Letters from civilians to the soldiers say conditions are near the breaking point, owing to poor food and other hardships.

           I saw three hundred new Boche prisoners march through a certain town. They were treated with indifference by the French children and adults as well. The Boches at the hospitals here, who receive every aid our own men get, say they are treated much better in the American hospitals than at home. It is the antithesis of the treatment given by the Huns to American prisoners in Hun camps and hospitals.

Eighth Attack in Three Weeks

           A fierce barrage was hurled by the Germans on the American trenches Saturday morning [April 27]. It was the eighth attack on the Americans in three weeks. It is evident the Boche intends to harass the Americans in every way possible, hoping to weaken their morale. The effect only steadies the Americans, who after a siege develop into splendid fighters in every way. “The Hindenburg Circus,” the name of a regiment of picked shock troops, which made an attack a week ago, was chosen especially to strike the Americans everywhere.

           I have seen the Americans coming from and on their way to the trenches and also the men freshly arrived. The spirit is the same with all. I never saw finer types than the men now arriving in France. All are eager to get into the fight and would welcome an opportunity to take a place in the line along the great battle in the north.

           It has been a revelation to France what America already has done in building railways, roads, barracks, etc. A week ago I saw American troops unloading poles by a roadside. To-day a long road, many miles in length, is complete and a telephone line is in working order. Some German prisoners after seeing evidences of the gigantic machine Uncle Sam is establishing stopped, shrugged their shoulders and said they hoped the Germans would win the present battle.