EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

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

EAST AFRICAN CAMPAIGN

WILL BE COMPLETED IN MAY.

NATIVE TROOPS 5 SPLENDID WORK.

TRIBUTE BY CENERAL SMUTS.

Reuter’s Telegrams,

(Received March 13. 10.10 p.m.) _ t ( LONDON, March 13. General Smuts, interviewed, said the only thing delaying the absolute end of tbe German East African campaign was the prevalence of the rainy season till May, when the Gennaris would be compelled to surrender or enter Portuguese territory, where the Portuguese were quite prepared to handle them. The enemy only consisted of a remnant of an army. Practically all the South African white troops had departed, and native battalions, who had been raised owing to the unfavourable climate, were remaining. General Smuts spoke in high terms 'of the natives’ magnificent infantry work. He said they would shortly be available for service elsewhere.

He mentioned that nothing had given him greater pleasure than Mr. Long’s statement that no German colony would return to Germany. The mere suggestion was preposterous. He shuddered to think what would happen to tbe natives if any part were returned. The natives had supported us magnificently, and if we deserted them our prestige in the East would suffer.