FORCE CONCENTRATED IN NORTHERN AFRICA.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 15864, 10 March 1915, Page 7

FORCE CONCENTRATED IN NORTHERN AFRICA .

ANNOUNCEMENT MADE BY FRENCH GOVERNMENT. MR. MASSEY COMMENTS ON THE STATEMENT. "VERY STIRRING NEWS" MAY BE EXPECTED. Waiuku, March 9. In the course of his address at Waiuku this evening, the Prime Minister read the following telegram, which His Excellency the Governor had received from the Secretary of State for the Colonies :— " The French War .Office, on March 6, stated that in view of the situation in the Dardanelles, the French Government had decided to concentrate an expeditionary force in Northern Africa." " That means," said the Prime Minister, in making the announcement, " that instead of Belgium and the Eastern front being the only centres of operations, as they have been up to the present, a French, and, probably, a British, force, will operate in the Dardanelles, and a base will be established in Northern Africa. It is a most important move, and the result will be of very great importance in the struggle. " You can look for very stirring news from the new centre of operations in the near future." READY TO EMBARK AT MOMENT'S NOTICE. NEWS CONFIRMED BY MESSAGE FROM LONDON. (Received March 9. 11.30 p.m.) London, March 9. An expeditionary force is concentrating in North Africa, ready to embark at a moment's notice.