WITHDRAWAL FROM ANZAC.

Otago Witness, Issue 3224, 29 December 1915, Page 25

WITHDRAWAL FROM ANZAC.

LONDON, December 20. In the House of Commons Mr Asquith said that our troops had been successfully transferred, in pursuance of a decision of Cabinet made some time ago. The operations reflected the utmost credit on the Admiral, the Staff, and all ranks. Mr Tennant (Under-secretary for War) said that Sir lan Hamilton’s report on the Suvla Bay landing had been received, and the Government was considering it. There would be no avoidable delay in its publication. The War Office intimates that General Monro gives great credit for the skilfullyconducted transfer of forces to the general commanding and to the navy. PRESS CONGRATULATIONS. BRILLIANT GALLANTRY RECALLED. LONDON, December 20. The Evening Standard congratulates General Monro on the success of the withdrawal, which threatened to be a rearguard action with tragic possibilities. It required military skill of a high order. The Pall Mali Gazette states that the news that the casualties were insignificant is particularly welcome, since the operation of re-embarking troops under the fire of a powerful and' well-posted enemy is one of much difficulty, and it was widely believed must be attended by very heavy losses. The. abandonment of hard-won positions cannot fail to arouse painful emotions. Anzac Cove and Suvla Bay were the scenes of most brilliant gallantry on the part of British, Australian, New Zealand, and Indian forces, and will be linked by memories,’ which will always be sacred in the annals of British warfare. The Star comments: “So ends an enter, prise whereon the highest hopes were built. The troops were always within a few miles of victorv. The final cause of failure was the inability of the Suvla landing party to fulfil their contract with the Australians and New Zealanders advancing from Anzac. The Australians alone lost 25.000 men on Gallipoli. The movement. however, immobilised a quarter of a million Turks.” The Evening News states; “The evacuation of Anzac is one of the sensations of the war. While it does not indicate a complete withdrawal, it proves that an offensive costing 200.000 casualties has ended. It is a relief, however, to know that the calculations of experts regarding probable looses during the retirement have not been fulfilled. The ‘ Anzacs 1 won immortal fame fighting like demons against the best defensive troops in the world. When their ammunition was exhausted they followed up the enemy with stones and their fists. During the Suvla landing the ‘ Anzacs,’ in another glorious attack, gained the crest of Sari Bahr, and it was not their fault that the rest of the attack \yas a painful set-back. What has happened since Suvla is unknown to the public.” LONDON, December 20. The Pall Mall Gazette’s naval expert writes: “ The withdrawal will relieve the fleet and the mercantile service of a heavy strain. There have been too many small expeditions. The position at Sedd-ul-Bahr is protected by a double line of ships, and it may be assumed that the position will be held ; otherwise, its evacuation would have preceded that of Anzac. POSITION IN EGYPT. PEOPLE PROSPEROUS AND CONTENTED. LONDON, December 20. The Times Cairo correspondent says: “ Egypt has overcome a political, military, and economic crisis during the past year. The position is now eminently satisfactory from every viewpoint. A 1 most frantic Turco-German efforts to foster disturbances are entirely abortive. The relations between the British and Egyptian authorities are harmonious, and reports of fresh Turkish attacks pending are not affecting the general mass. Lord Kitchener read them aright when he decided to make the welfare of the fellaheen the keynote of his policy. His reward is found in the present extraordinarily peaceful condition of the country. The Sultan evinces the greatest interest in the welfare of his subjects, and is cordially seconding the efforts of the British authorities. The majority of the population have generously contributed to the various war "funds, and the economic and industrial position Is improvingly good. The keynote of our policy in Egypt must be dealing with a firm hand with undesirables and showing solicitude for the wellbeing of agriculturists, who embrace the whole of the lower classes.” The Globe remarks that for sentimental considerations news of the withdrawal from Anzac will be received with regre + , but sentiment does not count in war. The changed situations since the participation in the war of the Bulgars has resulted in a new situation, which necessitates the withdrawal from Turkish soil hallowed by the blood of so many of our Empire’s sons. The Daily Chronicle says the withdrawal will be a most sore wrench to the Australians and New Zealanders, whose heroism has made Anzac immortal. Yet there at " of hut feel that it is a truer .withdraw and elsewhe to. display obstinate v;

in a hopeless position. The wisdom of the original landing at Anzac is doubtful, as it drew off men badly needed at the other end of the peninsula, and it was the most difficult and most costly position to hold. It was no fault of the Anzac men that the movement failed. The fatal slowness of the Suvla commander ruined the whole plan.