LORD KITCHENER'S REVIEW

Southland Times, Issue 17659, 17 February 1916, Page 5

LORD KITCHENER'S REVIEW

Reassuring Summary Reinforcements For Mesopotamia Enemy’s Balkan Policy Western Line Unchanged (By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright) LONDON, February 15. . Received Feb. 16th, 6.35 p.tn. The House of Lords listened with intense interest to Lord Kitchener’s review of the operations. He said that although the Indian troops 'had been withdrawn from France our forces there had materially increased by fully eight new army divisions. General Aylmer was awaiting reinforcements before renewing his forward movement to junction with General Townshend, who had sufficient supplies to maintain his forces for a considerable period. After some experience of the working of the voluntary group system, he realised how seriously the numbers immediately obtainable were affected by exemptions. Time alone would show what the results would be but he trusted on a future occasion to he* in a position to reassure the House as to the chances of obtaining the numbers required. Referring to the Balkans he said that the security of direct communication between tli e Central Powers and Constantinople had undoubtedly been the principal object of Austro-Germany in this theatre. Since the capture of Loos and the forward movement in Champagne the lines in France and Flanders had been practically unchanged throughout the winter. The morale ■of the French array had been maintained at the same high level, and the fighting qualities of our neighbouring Ally were never greater or more highly developed than at the present. The British troops there, which were being reinforced constantly, were carrying out active operations, giving no rest and no respite to the enemy. ITALIAN PROMT DIFFICULT. RUSSIA REORGANISED. EVACUATION OP GAIUPOH. COMPLETE CONFIDENCE IN VIC. TORIOUS ISSUE. LONDON, February 15. Received Feb. 16th, 7.25 p.m. Lord Kitchener said that regarding the Italian front the positions occupied by the enemy were so strong that they barred for the present any possibility of the forward movement which the splendid courage of the Italian troops was sure eventually to push home. Notwithstanding the heavy blockade and the consequent losses Russia suffered last summer, which would probably have overwhelmed a less tenacious and courageous people, the army was thoroughly reorganised and in readiness for the coming campaign. The Austro-Germans had cleared all obstructions in the path to Constantinople. The political situation in the near east was affected thereby, and the Turkish army had been able to organise the movements of troops either against Egypt, or to strengthen their forces in Mesopotamia, and simultaneously bring far more powerful attacks to bear on our positions in Gallipoli. It was therefore decided to withdraw our troops from the Peninsula to reinforce Salonika and Egypt. The success of the withdrawal exceeded my most sanguine expectations. The Pranco-British forces in Macedonia were gradually concentrated in a strongly entrenched position surrounding Salonika and in order to emphasise the principle of unity among the Allies, the supreme command had been given to General Sarrail. It would be remembered-that last winter an abortive attempt was made on the Suez Canal, which was easily brushed aside by a small British force, but a more serious attempt has been threatened by the Turks to invade Egypt from the east. We have made adequate preparations to defend the canal. The attempts of hostile,. Arabs on the western flank have resulted in complete failure. He thought this movement would still cause a certain feeling, but the admirable loyalty of the people of Egypt formed an effective barrier against the penetration of these raiders into the cultivated areas.

After alluding to the changes in the higher commands Lord Kitchener urged employers to do their best to release young men for service in the army. He concluded by reaffirming his complete confidence in a victorious issue which would ensure peace for this and many succeeding generations. OtTE BEAD IN FEANCE. SPECIAL CEMETERIES. February 15. Received Feb. 16th, 9 p.m. In the House of Commons.Mr Asquith announced that the King had appointed a committee, with the Prince of Wales as chairman, to give effect to the generous offer of the French Government to provide land for cemeteries for fallen officers and men.