MESOPOTAMIA.

Taranaki Daily News, 2 June 1916, Page 5

MESOPOTAMIA.

THE MARCH TO BAGDAD. GENERAL TOWNSHEND'S DESPATCH. A SCREW LOOSE SOMEWHERE. Times and Sydney Sun Ss Received June 1, 5.20 p.m London, May 31. The Time?, in a leading article referring to General Townshend's papers, says that General Townshend wrote in appreciation oh October 3, stating clearly and forcibly tlie graw risks of the advance to Bagdad. A number of people were aware of the existence of this document, and a copy was sent to an official in close touch with the Government of India. The Times goes on to say: "We have reason to believe that this was never shown to any member of the Government of India, and if the original reached General Nixon's staff it never got ocyond them. The terms were perfectly familiar to us when we wrote a leading article on April 1, which admitted the basis of Mr. Chamberlain's inquiries. remarks were not based on gossip or private letters, but on the document formally signed hv General Townshend, which was so mysteriously ignored. As the Government has raised the point, we will 'be happy to print General Townshend's real appreciation if they give us the necessary permission." j i