EASTERN THEATRE

Southland Times, Issue 17664, 23 February 1916, Page 5

EASTERN THEATRE

EBZEBOUM DEFENCES. GENEBAL YUDENITCH EULOGISED. (By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright) LONDON, February 21. Erzeroum is practically defenceless from the west, and if the Russians intend to hold the fortress they will, in the event of Enver Pasha advancing, have to construct earthworks far into the western hills. General Yudenitch is a man with a tremendous force of character. He was made a general at the age of 43, and accomplished brilliant work in the Japanese campaign. He led the Ninth Turkish Army into a trap a year ago by the following ruse.—Thirteen men belonging to a dissatisfied mountain tribe were sent into a Turkish camp. They professed to sell information of the Russian dispositions, and the commanders If the Ninth Turkish Army believeff the clary. They soon found themselves surrounded and helpless. PURSUIT CONTINUES. ANOTHEB 2500 TURKS CAPTURED. PETROGRAD, February 21. The communique states: We are continuing the pursuit in the Caucasus. We have captured a further 2500 Turks and six guns, together with jnuch munitions and material. ARMENIA IN RUSSIAN HANDS. TURKISH ARMY CORPS CUT OFF. PETROGRAD, February 22. Received February 22, 10.55 p.m. Latest messages show that Armenia is practically in Russian hands. Grand Duke Nicholas’s forces in the north have cut ofl; Turkish supplies from Trelizona. Bastan Pasha’s army corps, which was formerly the Ottomen left, is now in extreme danger. It is without supplies, and is far from the base, while the Russians are across their line of retreat. IMPORTANCE OP MUSH. RUSSIA’S CRUSHING VICTORY. LONDON, February 21. Mr Hamilton Fyfe, a war correspondent in the Caucasus, states that the capture of Musli is important in connection witli the other Russian successes in the Black Sea region in pushing the enemy back from Trebixond. It proves that on both hanks the situation is well in hand. The Turks lately used Mush as a store depot and for training their reserves. The series of blows we are inflicting on the Turks was planned with rare skill and foresight, and justify their ultimate development into a crushing victory. ARMY CORPS ARRIVE TOO LATE. PETROGRAD, February 21. Received February 22, 2.G0 p.m. Two Turkish army corps, which were advancing to relievo Erzeroum, retired astonished at the fall of the fortress. THIRD TURKISH ARMY CUT OFF. ITS PATE INEVITABLE. TURKISH OFFENSIVE NOT FEASIBLE PARIS, February 21. Received February 22, 2.30 p.m. Colonel Narniau, writing to the Petit Parisiene from I ’etrograd, states that the capture of Mnsh and Aklilat cuts oft the third Turkish army which attempted to retreat towards Mossow, when; the twelfth army is stationed. The third army was thrown out of order and fell hack in dislocated .sections. It is without food and is certain to lose the greater part of* its artillery and effectives. In Other words, Armenia is now in the hands of the Russians. The Jack of communications will prevent tlie Turks resuming the offensive, even if the concentration of the forces is possible.