A MOVE IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Otago Witness, Issue 3275, 20 December 1916, Page 21

A MOVE IN MESOPOTAMIA.

An official message from Mesopotamia states: Wo resumed the offensive on the 13th and 14th hist. We effectively dropped bombs on the, position at Sanna-i-yat, and secured the left bank of the liai River between Atas and Basrugiyeh. Wo crossed to the right bank, penetrating to a depth of. from eight to 12 furlongs. Our cavalry cleared the Turks from trenches at Kalanhajifahan, near Kut-el-Amara. Our casualties were slight. The British on the Tigris have reached a point south-west of Kut-el-Amara, which must be occupied before an advance up tho river is possible. Since tho attempt to relieve General Townshend railways have been built, the air service has been improved, and the medical and commissariat departments have been rendered efficient. Our forces, advancing northwards on both banks of the Hai River, established an outpost within three-quarters of a mile of the Tigris southward of Kut-el-Amara. CHANGES IN RUSSIA. Tho Upper House carried almost unanimously a, resolution approving of the formation of a Government acceptable to Parliament. This is regarded as marking a new era in constitutional development, and is especially opportune when tho Duma is striv-

ino; for a National Government corresponding with the nation's desire to put forth her whole energy to win the war. The Daily Telegraph's Pefcrograd correspondent states that the <Jouneil of Russian Nobk-s has by an overwhelming majority joined the Duma and the Imperial Council m demanding effective co-operation between the Government and the nation m denouncing the dark forces the existence of which has been mysteriously hinted at during the past few weeks. M. Poknemski, Comptroller of the Empire, has been appointed Foreign Minister.

DEPORTATIONS OF BELGIANS. A conference of the Belgian provincial councils refused General von Biasing's demand for an increase in the monthly levy from 40 million to 50 million francs. It is reported that a serious riot occurred at Turcoing on the occasion of the deportation of civilians. The German soldiers struck a civilian, on which a crowd attacked the escorting troops. The cavalry charged, killing 16 of the townspeople. The Kolnischo Volks Zeitung protests against any interference with the deportations, and contests President Wilson's right to act as a moralist.

The Amsterdam Telcgraaf states that 4000 inhabitants of Courtrai have been deported. Germany's reply in the matter of the deportations asserts that America has been inaccurately informed regarding the cause and the method of the carrying out of these measures. The reply claims that the British policy of isolation cut off all raw material from Belgian industry, and caused the. unemployment of 120,000 Belgians. It defends the deportations on the ground that they prevented idleness. It admits cocrcivo measures where men did not support their families.

There is an extensive movement among the churches in the United States to protest against the Belgian deportations. Several resolutions have been passed condemning Germany's crowning atrocity, and urging President Wilson to take action which the Kaiser cannot fail to understand. The newspapers publish the Holland Neutral League's appeal to America, to stop, by collective action on the part of neutrals, the hellish scourge of the deportations of Belgians. The Dutch Socialists passed a resolution unanimously condemning the deportations, and telegraphed urging the German Socialists to protest at Tuesday's sitting of tho Reichstag.

SUBMARINE WARFARE. The latest losses by submarines are:—Five British and one Norwegian steamer, and one French sailing vessel. Lloyd's reports that the Tanfield, reported on the 10th hist, (presumably as the Enfield) as having been sunk, is safe. Speaking at the annual meeting of tho Peninsular and Oriental Company, Lord Inckcapc said that if all stories were true, enemy submarines were being constantly sunk, and he was perfectly confident that tho navy would overcome the momentary difficulties. Lord Inchcapo announced that the Poonah, with no passengers aboard, bound for India and Australia, was either mined or torpedoed off Beachy Head on December 6. She was damaged badly, bus war _ vessels assisted her to a port, where she is being repaired. A Berlin message states that Hcrr 7Axtf mermann stated in'an interview that Germany's submarine promises will be kept. Tho Idea Nazionale's Berno correspondenb says that Admiral von Capelle, _addi'essing a conference of naval officers at Kiel, glorified the work of the submarines. He confidently hoped they would break not only the British blockade, but tho British domination of the sea. Germany intended to intensify her submarine operations, despite President Wilson's and other neutrals' protests. Germany, if she were energetic, could destroy tho world'3 mercantile marina before the end of 1917.

In connection with Germany's threat to execute Captain Blakes for ramming a German submarine with his vessel (tho Anchor liner Caledonia), it has been subgested that the Government warn Germany that a German army or submarine officer will be shot if Captain Blakes be shot. The newspapers demand that tho Government act before it is too late. Reports from America indicate that tho question is arousing great interest there. Many people expect that Sir E. Carson (First Lord of (he Admiralty) will uso this opportunity to show firmness and strength. The British Admiralty is watching developments in Captain Blakes' case. Lord Newton, head of the War Prisoners Department, believes that a firm warning will prevent the captain's execution.

AIR-FIGHTING. Tho Telegraf states that British aeroplanes penetrated far into Belgium and. bombed important military works at Brussels and elsewhere. Tho railway traffic was impeded. Aeroplanes were also observed over Zeebrugge, where they were violently fired on. Admiralty seaplanes on the 14th heavily bombed Kuleliburga's bridge, southward of Adrianoplo. The damage was extensive*. The casualties in tho raid of November 27 were: A man and three women killed, 16 men, 14 women, and seven children injured. HINDENBURG INTERVIEWED. Herr Karl von Wcigand, correspondent of the New York World, has interviewed Marshal von Hindcnburg, who, in his review of the fighting, claims that Germany holds a strong pos.tion. Hindenburg docs not refer to Verdun, but says that Germany b$ preparing a T)ig blow on the West front in the spring of 1917. He admits that tho Germans on the Somme were inferior to tho Allies in artillery, but contends that tho position is changing now, and that the Entente's superiority numerically will not bo sufficient to protect the smaller States. Von Wcio-and says that Hindenburg, the Kaiser, and "the Staff occupy a secluded position en a large estate. Von Wcigand asked about the prospects of peace, to which Hindenburg said: "Ask the other side." Wcigand: "Am I to understand that ycu are ready for peace?" Hindenburg: "When we have impressed our will on tho Entente, and when the. Entente realise that they cannot crush Germany, agreo that German's integrity shall be preserved, and admit her to equal rights with other nations in world trade." FOOD SCARCE IN GERMANY. Tho Daily Chronicle's Amsterdam oorrd-" spondent states: "The Taglicho Rundschau, in a desperate, almost threatening article on Berlin a foodless plight, eays the scarcity has reached a climax. The supply of bread for weeks past in one part of tho city oi the other is failing constantly. Fish is fcovy;

ono of the most important foods, but no fresh fish is available, and the price ot trnoked is sixfold what it is in normal times. Apples alone are obtainable in reasonable quantities. Small cauliflowers are selling at £2d apiece. The writer urges tho seizure of all Berlin stocks of food, and their sale to the people direct. He emphasises the growing popular belief that the Government is behind these difficulties, hoping to make the people agree more readily to the communal feeding system." Tho Cologne Gazet'« emphasises the seriousness of the food 'tuation, particularly the failure of tho potato crop. It points oat that Bavaria has refused to surrender her barley for Germany. It urges tnat the strictest possible economy in bread, potatoes, meat, fats, and milk is essential.

.The, Berhner TageblatJ declares that negotiations are being opened with the food distribution authorities with a view to the introduction of compulsory feeding of the masses, which may be extended to all classes. p The Daily Express claims to have been informed from a reliablo source that 20,000 people participated in a riot at Hamburg on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, 1000 being killed or wounded by troops brought from Berhn to suppress tho outbreak. ino New York Times Berlin correspondent states that tho food plans in Germany lor the current year have been badly Wrecked owing to the almost complete failure of tho potato crop. Only 21,000,000 tona were harvested, as against 51,000,000 tons in 1915. An order has been issued reducing the potato and flour rations

MISERY IN AUSTRIA. In Austria-Hungary tho economic situation is critical. There are cries of distress and misery in tho Czeoch lands, and tho newspapers are full of letters from wounded Bolciers begging for even a few potatoes. Ahoro are lamentations in Bohemia, where there flro three meatless days weekly The meals in some restaurants have been quintupled in price. Tho sale of tobacco has been prohibited at restaurants and cafes. MINISTERIAL CRISIS IN AUSTRIA. Tho Austrian Cabinet has resigned. A telegram from Vienna states that tho resignation was duo partly to tho opposition of a number of German deputies and partly to a question of tho Constitutional relationship with Hungary. Another message states that tho Emperor Charles personally asked Hen- Koerber's Cabinet to resign. _ This has caused a sensation, as it is considered as a revolutionary action. Tho Emperor Charles a4ced Herr Alexander von Spitzmuoller (Minister of Commerce) to form a Cabinet. As he is without any political influence, the significanceof tho appointment litis in tho proof it affords that tho Emperor intends lo begin hi 3 reign with an absolutist regime. Count Berohtold is tho new Foreign Secretary. Tho Morning Post's Hungarian correspondent polntS out that Herr Spitzmueller's appointment shows that tho financial ftnd commercial interests of Austria are Itrongly desirous of peace. Herr Spitzmuoller represents tho Rothschild groups bolitically. No doubt tho Emperor himself w desirous of peace, and Counts Burian fcnr| Tisza initiated tho peace proposals in oroeT to deprive thoir opponents of Weapons against them at tho forthcoming

meetings of tho delegations from the Reichsrath and the Diet. Dr Koerber's fall was due to the German party i n the Austrian Parliament demanding Home Rule for Galicia, and Bohemia, subject to the KaiserW proclamation, whereas Dr Koerber desired Parliament to discus 3 the matter in accordance with tho constitution. Tho German Radicals also demanded that a new Council of State be formed, whence tho Poles will be excluded and thus securing tho pro-Germans' majority. Count Tisza finally persuaded the Emperor to appoint Spitzmueiler, who is a pro-German, in order to secure an agreement.

A V.C. FOR A NEW ZEALANDER. Tho Victoria Cross has been awarded to Colonel Freyberg, of Wellington, a wellknown New Zealand swimmer and athlete, for his conspicuous bravery and brilliant leading as battalion commander. By his splendid personal gallantry Colonel Freyberg carried the initial attack straight through the enemy's front system of trenches. .Owing to mist and heavy fire of all descriptions Colonel Freyberg's command became much disorganised after the capture of their first objective, but he personally rallied and reformed his men, including men from other units who became intermixed with his battalion. Ho inspired all his men with his own contempt for danger. At the appointed time he led his men in a succe. rful assault on their second objective, capturing many prisoners. During the advance Colonel Freyberg was twice wounded, but again he rallied and reformed those with him. Although they were unsupported in a very advanced position, they held their ground and remained all day and throughout the night under a heavy artillery and machine-gun fire. When reinforced in the morning Colonel Freyberg organised an attack on a stronglyfortified village. He showed a fine example of dash, personally leading tne assault, and capturing tho village with POO prisoners. Here he was once more won, id, and later in the afternoon was aj tin severely wounded. Yet he refused io leave the line until he had issued his final instructions. The personal valour and utter contempt of danger on the part of this single officer enabled a lodgment to bo made in a most advanced objective, and then enabled it to be permanently held; and it was on this point d'appui that the new British line was eventually formed. A NEW IRELAND DESIRED. In the House of Commons Major "Willie" Redmond, speaking in support of tho credit vote, mentioned as remarkable that the kindliest relations existed under all cimcumstances between the troops of Ulster and the rest of Ireland, who were in close contact with each oilier. Major Redmond declared that he hail come to the conclusion that an understanding between Northern and Southern Irelnnd was quite possible. There was no talk of separation in tho trenches. One only heard such talk in Ireland. Let them suppress bad memories, and hope for a brighter future. Major M'Calmout (U.) said that if reoruits were not forthcoming from Ireland within the next few weeks the Irish regiments would cease to exist in tho next springtime. Mr Bonar Law re-echoed Major Redmond's sentiments, and declared that the

desire for a new Ireland was not confined to Irishmen. It was a great thing' that, despite the late rebellion, the official Nationalist party still supported the Empire in the war. GENERAL ITEMS. Official: Thursdays and Fridays in each week will be meatless days in Italy. The Tageblatt states "that the Pope is issued a Christinas peace proclamation. The United States new Note to the Allies renews the request for a safe conduct for Count Tarnowski, the new Austrian Ambassador. According to a German newspaper the Archduke Stephen has been appointed Regent of Poland. Several sections of conscientious objectors are virtually being boycotted in many pro viiic.ial towns where there are forces in training. The Dutch War Minister has stated that it is necessary to increase the output of munitions daily owing to the danger of Holland being involved in the war. Tho first number of the New Zcalandei, published with the aim of conveying Dominion news to troops in Europe.* has appeared. Prominent New Zealanders are providing tho necessary funds.

Tho Minister of the Navy has announced that the Canadian torpedo boat Grilse had been lost at sea, and it is feared that her crew of 60 have been drowned.

A deputation from the Highland Laud League asked Mr Massey to thank New Zcalande-s for contributing to the relief funds for distressed people in the Highlanue and islands of Scotland. Is Germany partly financing the war through playing on Wall street? This question is bothering the financial houses because immediately prior to peace or submarine developments German bankers freely sell stocks.

A crowded city meeting carried a resolution, moved by Lord Bercsford, demanding the elimination of all t-ace of enemy influence in Great Britain and the immediate closing of all enemy bank business bouses, thus carrying out the resolution of the Paris Conference, and one appealing to the people of the Empire to resist a proposal for premature peace.

Germai.y has ordered tho inhabitants of Vilna to pay a levy of a million roubles to defray the cost of supplies to the population.

The Matin interviewed M. Tlerriott, the French Minister of Transports, who said the provisioning of the army with corn., coal, and potatoes will be carried out in co-operation with the revictualling of civilians. M. Herriott intends to assist in the formation of a new mercantile fleet, and to increase l.h» ,- ; ,,i output by exploiting surface combustibles. The miners of Northern France have decided to work an hour longer daily. The War Council lias endorsed the action releasing 5000 members of the metropolitan police for military service from January 1. Probably a result will be an extension of the hours of duty from eight to 12, and alio an extra (k\y'n. duty every fortnight. AUSTRALIAN NEWS. The official returns show that the total Australian casualties are 63,694. Of these 16,384 were killed and 17,263 were ill. The Governor-general said farewell to the first contingent of cadets from the Naval College, who aro proceeding to England to

take up duty as midshipmen in the British fleet. The Commonwealth Government has offered Britain half of Australia's output of steel and iron for munition-making. Replying to a suggestion to send munitions instead of half the iron and steel output, thus increasing employment, Senator Pearcc stated that attempts to manufacture munitions had failed, as the specifications were being constantly altered owing to experience gained on the battlefields. Mr Lampson suggested that the Government desired to deprive men of work and compel them to enlist. The New South Wales State Governor farowelled the first seven air pilots who have qualified at the State Aviation School and are proceeding to the front. Senator Pearcc, Minister of Defence, has received a message from Headquarters in London stat : ng that the. last Australian force is the best equipped that has ever loft Britain.

The contingent of Now Zealand yachtsmen en route for England for the motor boat auxiliary service were entertained by the Prince Alfred Yacht Club, Sydney.