REVIEW OF THE SITUATION

Evening Post, Volume XCI, Issue 1, 3 January 1916, Page 3

REVIEW OF THE SITUATION

LORD SYDENHAM INTER-

VIEWED

ALLIES FACING THE FUTURE

WITHOUT MISGIVING.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright.)

LONDON, 31st- December

Lord Sydenham, who is recognised as one of the world's greatest military authorities, granted the Australian Press Association an interview. Reviewing the situation, he' said : "The year has ended in shadow. It has brought many sacrifices without visible successes which might seem to offer adequate compensation. The conquest of German colonies, in which Australia- and New Zealand played an important part, is the only counter-stroke on the side of the Allies to the enemy's territorial gains in Poland and the Near East. We have withdrawn a great part of the Imperial troops from Gallipoli; at Salonika we are on the defence awaiting an attack, while a further effort against Suez may be impending. We met with a reverse on the Tigris, aud nowhere can be seen the near prospect, of a decisive military advantage. If we contemplate the past events in detail, there may appear to be grounds for- pessimism, but in a war of this gigantic, scale it is essential to view the situation as a. whole.

" The year 1797 ended in the deepest gloom for our forefathers. The great naval battles of Capß.Vincent and Camperdpwn had been won, but there were acute internal dissensions and almost intolerable public burdens. The Bank of England had suspended • cash payments, and when the mutinies at Spithead and The Nore broke out all hopes of victory might have seemed lost. We may well-consider these facts now. ' " ■ • .

"The , real crisis was passed in September in 1914, when the German plan of campaign was' wrecked and Paris saved. The wonderful preparedness of the enemy and.his instant perception of the new needs told heavily against the Allies,' who are only now beginning, to. attain the ascendency of material, which superior forces will enable them to establish .and maintain. Foiled in the West, the.Central Powers struck wildly eastwards, but w^ere finally brought to a, standstill by the splendid tenacity of Russia. Territory and fortresses were abandoned, but the enemy, failed to take Riga, and must bear the rigours of ■ a Polish winter with the unceasing menace of Russia's masses . growing more formidable as armaments increase. The enemy is now held fast on the Eastern and Western front, and his power of offensive appears to depend on the subsidised Turks and Bulgars. .

• "Meanwhile, the eager efforts of the Germans have failed to destroy the unity of the Allies, whoj with gathering strength and stern determination, awa.it the coming of spring. - The economic pressure exercised by the Navy is beginning to tel], and the enemy's internal situation is gradually becoming more acute. Winter is on the side of the Allies, who face the future without any misgiving.

"For Australia and New Zealand 1915 will always be associated with glorious memories. Their' troops have shown gallantry and endurance unsurpassed in the history of war. If victory has been denied them at GaDipoli, they win undying fa.cc. They have given enduring examplesof devoted secrifices from which the whole Empire draws hope and inspiration. - - •- ' ■

"France .is ,showing all the great qualities which built up her finest traditions. Russia has stemmed the fierce onslaughts of the Austrians - and Germans with indomitable spirit, and is silently developing her unrivalled resources and her splendid manhood. Italy is fighting bravely. _" Our warlike, but unmilitary, Empire is solidly united in the face of the common peril, raising and training citizens by the million. Above -all stands the Navy, firmly holding the seas of the world, far more powerful than when the war began. " Such . are the conditions under which the Allies confront the New Year with calm confidence."