IN MESOPOTAMIA.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume IV, Issue 962, 12 March 1917, Page 7

IN MESOPOTAMIA.

TURKISH ARMY ROUTED. FATE OF BAGDAD SEALED. Avrtralian n/.if S'.Z. CalU At»crialib*. LONDON, March 10. The announcement of the fall of Bagdad is expected momentarily. It is believed that the cavalry occupied the city without opposition, and are now sweeping northward of the city. The "Daily Chronicle" states that it is evident that the Turks in Mesopotamia are not in a condition to light. They have probably lost at least two divisions and possibly an army corps. The great thing is that the Turkish army no longer exists as a lighting force. It is understood that the country around Bagdad, between the Tigris and Euphrates, can be inundated, especially now because . it is the rainy season. It is hoped that our cavalry will prevent the opening of the barrages. The importance of the capture of Bagdad would be immense, apart from political reasons, because the city now serves as a basefor operalions against the Russians in the Ke*~ manshah theatre in Western Persia. It is problematical if the Turks can extricate themselves when Bagdad is taken. Anyhow, they must evacuate Persia. Another great advantage is that the victory will afford the British forces freedom to move. They have hitherto been restricted to the so-called "corridor of Mesopotamia.*' This restricted fighting front was a great impediment, but the corridor ceases above Bagdad, and we can expect x " open fighting for which the Turks have not shown any talent despite the dogged tenacity of their defensive warfare.

ENEMY OUTNUMBERED. POSSIBLE LINE OF DEFENCE. Serriee. LONDON, March 9. The rapid advance of the British forces towards Bagdad has caused a thrill of expectation. Whether the Turks have constructed defences on the Diyala Biver, which flows into the Tigris a few miles south of Bagdad, requiring the cavalry to halt until the infantry arrive, is not yet known. Present information indicates that the Turks are hopelessly outnumbered and outmanoeuvred: Paris is excited. M. Hutin be-~ lieves that Bagdad is already captured. RUSSIANS FROM PERSIA. APPROACHING THE BRITISH. Auttralian o«J X.Z. Gable Attcetation. LONDON, March 10. The "Daily Telegraph's" Petrograd correspondent states that General BarrakofFs troops are advancing with great energy in order to cooperate with the British advance on the Tigris. It appears likely that they will at an early date recapture the positions abandoned in 1916. Conditions this year are wholly dif-. ferent. The advance is well organised and well supported. The Russians are much better acquainted with the country and with mountain warfare amidst nomadic tribes.

Hamadan was captured after three days' hard fighting. The Turks tried to make a stand at the Asadabad Pass, and then at Kingevar, but are now retreating rapidly towards Keroashall. FALL OF~~HAMADAN. ADMITTED BY TURKS. Australian and S.Z. Colli A-ri-eiattn. (Received March 12. 9 a.m.) AMSTERDAM, March 11. The Turks admit the evacuation of Hamadan for strategical considerations. TURKEY'S MISTAKE. BEST TROOPS IN EUROPE. Australian and S.Z. Calif Association. LONDON. March iO. The "Daily Telegraph's" Rome co--respondent has received information from the Russian Embassy that Turkish resistance has been shattered even on the Armenian and Persian fronts. The Russian armies are marching victoriously upon their objectives in complete accord with the British. Turkey now realises her mistake in sending her best troops to Europe, [where they were so decin ated that I they can no longer render effective service even in Europe. DIYALA LINES TAKEN. A SUCCESSFUL SURPRISE. A. and S.Z. Cable Association and Rtvttr. LONDON, March 10. A Mesopotamia ollicial report slates: Our gunboats and cavalry discovered on Wednesday the enemy holding the line on the Diyala river in some strength. We engaged the enemy on Thursday. The enemy's position had been most carefully prepared, and it is clear that it was intended to hold it. Its evacuation was probably due to our rapid advance from Azizie. IN ARMENIA. RUSSIAN SUCCESSES. A. and S.Z. Cable Association and Renter. Admiralty pir VTirelts* Press. LONDON, March 16. A Russian ollicial message says:—* We destroyed fortifications at Mirzonilkeinc, north-westward of Erzingan. Our scouts advanced sixteen miles and a half south-west oft Sakkiz.