IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVI, Issue 8465, 2 June 1916, Page 6

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

THE ADVANCE ON BAGDAD

GENERAL TOWNSHEND'S '" PROTEST.

LONDON, May 31

"Tho Times," in a leading article, referring, to t,lio correspondence regarding the campaign in Mesopotamia; says:— " General Townshend wrote on October 3 stating clearly and forcibly the grave risks of an advance on Bagdad. A number of people wore aware of the existence of -this document, a copy of which was sent to an official in close touch with the Government of India. We;,have reason to believe that it wayS never shown to any member of tho Government of India. If the original document reached. .Sir John Nixon's Staff, it never got beyond them. The terms, of the document were perfectly familiar to us when we wrote our leading; article of ,April 3. which it is admitted formed the basis of Mr Chamberlain's enquiries. Our remarks were not based on gossip or private letters, but 0^ the document which had been formally signed by General Townshend, and which was so mysteriously ignored. As the Government has raised the point, we shall be happy to print General -Towushend's real appreciation if -it will givo the necessary permission!."