I. The best line for the establishment of a series of mutually supporting tactical points to be held by the infantry. {143} II. The best means of protecting the flanks. III. The best position for the artillery and machine guns. IV. The tactical key to the position. V. The line from which attack may be expected. VI. The best line for the counter-attack. VII. The positions for the supports and reserves. and, additionally, in the case of a War of Manoeuvre:-- VIII. The best position for the cavalry. IX. Alternative positions in rear from which, after reorganisation, to recapture the front line, with the best line of withdrawal to them. Additional information would be required in Position Warfare as to the best lines for avenues communicating from the old to the new position, and as to the time required to consolidate the new position against attack (including the conversion of the parados into parapet, etc.). {144} NIGHT OPERATIONS There are several reasons why darkness is preferable to daylight in certain military operations. Secrecy is usually the aim of all movement, and the increased power of observation due to the advent of the Air Service has caused an increase in the necessity for certain movements being made during the hours of darkness. In all Night Operations (except marches undertaken by night to avoid the heat of the day) surprise is the main object; secrecy of preparation is therefore essential, and steps must be taken to prevent discovery of the intended movement, and to prevent the information leaking out through the indiscretion of subordinates. Orders will be communicated beforehand only to those officers from whom action is required, and until the troops reach the position of assembly no more should be made known to them than is absolutely necessary. It may even be advisable, in order to deceive spies, that misleading orders should originally be given out. Secrecy of intention as well as of preparation is essential. Frederick the Great is reported to have said, "If I thought my coat knew my plans I would burn it!"