TWO COMMISSIONS.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume III, Issue 763, 21 July 1916, Page 11

TWO COMMISSIONS.

MR ASQUITH'S STATEMENT IN THE COMMONS WIDESPREAD AND LEGITIMATE ANXIETY. Fy Cable—Press Association. — Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association, (Received July 21, 12.10 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. Mr Asquith said that the Government recognised that the widespread and legitimate anxiety in regard to the Dardanelles and Mesopotamia campaigns could not be allayed by general assurances of an after-the-war enquiry. Owing to the present critical phase of military operations the Government deprecated a debate which would give the world the impression that we were divided amongst ourselves. It was not desired to conceal past shortcomings or screen those responsible. There were manifest, objections to a Select Committee, which would lay a great burden on the departmental officers. Moreover, the generals, admirals, and other officers who would be required to give evidence were already dispersed over a wide field, and it was impossible to recall them to London. The Government therefore proposed two Commissions, consisting of members of the House of Commons and the House of Lords. If necessary, outside members could be appointed. Mr Asquith said that he would shortly introduce a Bill naming the Commissioners and giving compulsory powers. Sir E. Carson withdrew his motion. It is understood from the Premier's statement that Sir "William Robertson and Mr Chamberlain are satisfied that everything is being done to remedy the disastrous state of affairs in Mesopotamia, and members were confident that Mr W. Robertson is a man who will not be influenced by politicians. Mr Asquith moved the adjournment on the understanding that the debate would be confined to his statementMr Winston Churchill said he hoped the enquiry would he held as much in public as possible. Mr Asquith, in reply, said that the (■ommission would sit in ! secret if it was necessary.

A previous message referring to this debate will be found on page 7.

RUSSIA'S CAMPAIGNS. THE DNEISTER IN FLOOD. FIGHTING IN ASIA MINOR. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. ■ (Received July 21, 12.10 p.m.) PETROGRAD, July 20. A communique states: The overflow of the Dncister continues. The valleys are flooded, and the slopes and heights are so slippery that it is almost impossible to climb them, and bridges have been" ■washed away. We occupied ihe town of Kugi, which is an important junction on the roads from Erzeroum, Lhaputi, and Khzindjtha. The Turks in great force commenced an advance on July 17 in the direction of Mosul. Our detachment retreated to a new position. We dispersed considerable bodies of Persian nomads near Isaphan, A SURPRISE ATTACK. BRITISH PREVAIL AGAINST FOURFOLD ODDS. GERMAN MASS FORMATION. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 21, 12.10 p.m.) PARIS, July 20. The Germans, attacking at Longueval and Bclville, launched several regiments in mass formation on a narrow front. The British, who were organising their new positions, were surprised, but fought heroically against fourfold odds, and gradually assumed the mastery.

NO ANNEXATION.

CHANGE OF TONE. SCHEMES CANNOT BE CARRIED OUT. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 21, 12.10 p.m.) ZURICH, July 20. The majority of leading German newspapers now support von Bethmann Hollweg's anti-annexation policy. The "Munichncr Post" declares that the lives of the Fatherland's defenders must not be sacrificed for annexation schemes which cannot be carried out. IN A DILEMMA. GERMANS AT KOVEL. PUZZLED BY RUSSIAN TACTICS. "The Times" Service. (Received July 21, 2 p.m.) LONDON, July 20. Mr Stanley Washbourn, "The Times" correspondent on the Kovel front, describes the Russians' difficulties. The Austro-Germans have scientifically strengthened the natural defensive lines on the Stochod, intending either to give time for the completion of the Kovel fortifications, or check the Russian's advance while Kovel is smoothly evacuated. He points out that the Germans are in a dilemma. They do not know when to expect the next Russian blow, because the Russians are hitting here, there, and everywhere. But the Germans arc clever fencers, and have never fought more desperately.

HUNGARY'S INDEPENDENCE. COMPREHENSIVE DEMANDS. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received July 21, 1.55 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, July 20. Count Karolyi's new parly demands Hungary's economic independence, with an independent army and hank. BRITISH PRISONERS SHOT. ALLEGED RIOT IN CAMP. Australian and N.Z. (old, Association. (Received July 21, 1.55 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, July 20. The "Frankfurter Zeilung" slates that British prisoners participated in a riot al an unnamed camp. The guards fired, killing two. THE RELIGIOUS OBJECTOR BEHIND THE FIRING LINE. HIS PLACE IN THE WAR. (From our own Parliamentary Reporter.j WELLINGTON, July 21. As a result of the conference of managers on the points of disagreement over the Council's amendments to the Military Service Bill, it is understood that finality was reached this morning, the basis of the agreement being that the religious objector, as defined in the Bill, will be compelled, if required, to perform service in any capacity except in Ihe actual lighting line. The cable news in this issue accredited to '• Tlie Times " has appeared in that journal, but only where expressly stated is such .news the editorial opini/W rt "The Times."