OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LI, Issue 15770, 19 November 1914, Page 6

OPERATIONS IN SOUTH AFRICA

While the loyal forces in South Africa are making satisfactory progress against the rebels, it must not be forgotten that the stamping-out of the revolt is merely the preliminary to a campaign against German' South-west Africa. It was the decision of the Union Government to take the offensive against the Germans that brought the conspiracy to a head, and that is ample evidence that German intrigue, has influenced many of the Boers who are now in arms against Britain. The impudent "treaty" concluded between the rebels and the Governor of South-west Africa is one sign of many that the same unscrupulous machinations have been practised in South Africa as in other parts of the world where Germany suspected a latent opportunity to embarrass Britain. In Africa, as in the Pacific and in China, the Germans have proved bad neighbours, and it is necessary for the peace and good government of South Africa that their power should be destroyed. We may, therefore, expect to hear of the war being carried vigorously into the enemy's territory whenever the time is opportune. The resistance may be prolonged, as the German force is reputed to be well trained and equipped, and to have the assistance of native levies. The Germans consider the machine gun a very effective weapon in such territory, and they have a large number— as many, it is said, as 66 six-gun batteries. There are manypolice posts, virtually blockhouses, manned by ex-artillerymen, dotted over the country, and these are defended by machine guns, and are connected with each other and with Windhoek by telegraph and telephone, the wires in some parts being underground. A system of wireless telegraphy is also in use to complete a singularly efficient system of communication. The military force, consisting chiefly of mounted infantry, with a camel corps, is armed with the Mauser rifle. The territory offers many natural obstacles to attack, and contains several defensive positions of considerable strength. The water supply is deficient, though this would hamper military operations least between October and April, the duration of the rainy season.