SALONIKA AND ASIA MINOR.

Thames Star, Volume LII, Issue 18644, 9 March 1918, Page 3

SALONIKA AND ASIA MINOR.

. LO'NtDON,-.March B', Mr. BonarLaw , continued: —'The general position in Salonika was unsatisfactory, due to Russia's collapse. We did not expect a year agio to be purely on the defence. The general commanding recognised that the position at Salonika might become dangerous to the. Central Vow era. With better communications might send forces which it would be difficult, perhaps impossible, for us to meet. But Germany's man' power was not inexhaustible. She cannot do everything at once. She would pay dearly for every yard/of advance. It was not difficult to justify the expedition. , If it had not been sent Germany would have controlled the Greek harbours, which was vital for us. If the enemy . secured; them and used them as submarine bases it would be almost impossible 'to keep up communicatio'ne with Egypt.- The victories in Mesopotamia and Palestine were not- only a moral and material gain, but an immense military accession ; of strength. Lord Kitchener estimated that troops necessary tb save Egypt from invasion would be far greater than the- total now operating in Mesopotamia and Palestine.—'A. and N.Z. Cable.