Bagdad Victory

Gisborne Times, Volume XLVIII, Issue 4497, 14 March 1917, Page 5

Bagdad Victory

A Brilliant Achievement

Two-thirds of the Enemy’s Artillery Lost

Warm Tribute te Our Troops

German Plans Reduced to Nothing

(United Press Association —Copyright.)'

LONDON, March 12. In the House of Commons, Mr Bonar Law said that the fall of Bagdad was a sequel to a series of brilliant performances, the British-lndians showing push and determination beyond praise. There was heavy fighting especially on the. right bank, and severe Turk Josses.

The troops, since the capture or Kut-el-Amara,.bad pursued the Turks 110 miles in fifteen days, through a country destitute of supplies, aiid ‘n the face of heavy weather difficulties, and thrice crossing the Tigris. The final march of eighteen miles was made in intense heat and severe dust storms. It was a brilliant acnievement.

They had every reason to believe that two-thirds of the enemy’s entire artillery had been captured or tn.rown into the Tigris; also large luimbe-s of prisoners had been taken, and much booty. Mr. Bonar Law added: “General Maude reports that he is satisfied that he can provide for the army's necessities in Bagdad.” Mr Bonar Law concluded by paying a tribute to the skill and vigor ot the leadership, the valour and endurance of the troops, tlie highly successful supply service, the medical arrangements, and the General Staff’s plans. Le Matin states that the capture of Bagdad is the Entente’s greatest success of tlie war period. It reduces to nothing tlie German plans for the defence of Mesopotamia. The Petit Parisien says: The capture wrecks the whole of the Kaiser’s Oriental Programme. 'The Figaro comments on the immense moral effect, which will re-echo throughout Turkey. (Received March 13, 9.20 a.m.) To-day’s Turkish official report does not mention Bagdad. In the Turkish Chamber Enver Pasha admitted tliat the Turks had retired in Mesopotamia and Persia for military reasons.

RUSSIANS PUSHING ON. ENEMY ROUTED BEYOND HAMAD AN'. Australian and iST.Z. Cable Association. (Received Alar eh 13, 8.10. p.m.) LONDON, March 13. _ A Russian communique says: —AY T e occupied Rissitun in tlm region of Mamadan on March - after routing tlie Turks, who withdrew towards Hadjiabad, hard pressed by us. TURKISH ARMIES SPENT. SAAIE ON ALL FRONTS. LACK OF FOOD AND MUNITIONS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received March 12, 10.10 p.m.) LONDON, March 12. The Daily Telegraph’s Rome correspondent says information from Turkish sources shows that the Turkish Tinny in Alesopot-amia is demoralised and spent. It lacks food, munitions, and artillery. The armies in Armenia and Persia are in a similar condition. The bad winter weather heretofore saved them, but this protection has now ended.

A Swiss message states that graveevents have occurred at Constantinople.

TURKO-GERMAN DISPUTES

SEQUEL TO MESOPOTAAIIAN LOSSES.

The Times. (Received March 14, 12.35 a.m.) LONDON, March 13. Rifaat Bey has left Geneva fot - Turkey and Bedry Bey has left Constantinople for Berlin owing to reported! differences between Turkey and Germany regarding the Mesopotamian losses. It is believed that the Turks are holding Germany blameworthy because the best of the Turkish troops were sent to defend Austro-Gennany.