Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1916.

Nelson Evening Mail, 1 August 1916, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail. TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 1916.

THE continued movement forward of the Russian forces in Armenia is shown by the progress at Erzinga-n. It is evident that the Grand Duke is at least pushing in the direction of the Gulf of Alexandretta, though it does not allow that he means or will need to travel all the way. It is worth remembering, the Telegraph points out, that a. line from Trcbizond to the Gulg of Alexandretta would be a noose round Turkey's middle. It would leave her Turkey in Europe, and even a considerable part of Turkey in Asia, hut it would cut off not only Armenia, but also Syria and Mesopotamia. Of course, it is pointed out, if the Grand Duke's armies could cover any considerable part of the distance, the Turkish forces in Persia and .Mesopotamia \vould have to .withdraw for fear of being cut off. And Britain could be of the greatest help in such an attempt, or in strengthening the threat of such an attempt, by landing troops, if she had the troops to spare, at Alexandretta or Latakia, and sending them inland to take Aleppo. This is an expedition whose possibilities have been a good deal discussed; it would be enough in itself to cut the Turkish communications with Mesopotamia. But it is pretty safe to assume that no further overseas expeditions will •be undertaken by Britain without the minutest and onost thorough inspection of every circumstance connected with them. Also the Taurus and other mountains of Tmrkey in Asia a.re no trifles to tackle, and, so far as is known there .is no question of a serious to cross them just at -present.

Sever;,! members; wii« absent- last .night and only 55 out of the available strength of 71 voted. J.t is still possible to take a further vote on the motion to add the elause to the Bill, and for siuh a motion to be- defeated. Whether this or some other course will be taken remains to be seen.