The Tabor independent. [volume] (Tabor, S.D.) 1913-19??, 1915-12-30
cAsTELNAU SAYS sALoNIkI
CANNOT BE TAKEN Rv Foes

WA FarlS)y Dec Z1.-"Wtth
our batteries of heavy artillery and the
men behind them il is impossible to
GUST the allied forces from SaloniIxi"
SAID General Castelnau, chief of the
french general staff in a statement to-
day to The Associated Press. General
Castelnau gave the interview after be-
ing received this morning by King
Constantine and attending a luncheon
at the French legation. Many of the
most important officers of the Greek
army and navy and several of the
kings closest friends attended the
luncheon. General Castelnau's state
ment was submitted to the French
minister, Jean Guillemin, and ap-
proved by him.
The situation at SaIonilSi today is
most excellent" the general continued.
spent several days examining the
ground. must say have rarely seen
an emplacement which lends Itself bet
Ter to defense.
Il may say also that the position
provides the most favorable conditions
FOR offensive as we'll as defensive OPP
srations."
The general was asked whether the
allies contemplates an offensive move
ment from Salonih in the spring.
Spring will TELL" he replied. 1T ts
impossible to discount the exigencies
of the military situation so far ahead.
Should 1t be decided upon the offensive
from Saloniki would be made under
peculiarly favorable conditions"
What impression did you gain from
your talk with the king?" asked the
corr espondent
Il was deeply touched by the fact
that his majesty. although in poor
health received me. He was most
cordial The Greeks have shown me
every courtesy"
And in France, General-how soon
do you believe the war will be
finished?
That does not matter. The most
important thing is that victory is GER
tain sooner or later. In France every
Frenchman and every French woman
is ready to go the whole way for n
complete triumph. Whether in France
or here, there will be no weakening:
for France Is not only determined,
France Is sure"
Large crowds, in which were many
Greek soldiers, gathered before the
French legation and cheered General
Castelnau.
TURKS DRIVEN BACK
BY BRITISH TROOPS
Delhi, Dec. &c, (via London Dec 27.)
"A vigorous Turkish assault against
the British forces at Kut-El Amara
was driven back Saturday with heavy
losses, according to an official report
British commander.
The report says:
Yesterday the enemy launched a
determined attack against q portion OF
our positions which was repulsed with
an enemy loss of from 600 to 800 killed
and wounded. Our casualties were
under 200"
CONFLICTING REPORTS COME
FROM NEAR EASTERN THEATER
London, Dec. 27.-Conflicting reports
continue to reach London from the
scene of the near eastern campaign.
Statements from some sources make
it appear that the Teutonic allies are
preparing steadily for an offensive
movement, in conjunction with the
Bulgarians and Turks. Other advices,
however, are that the Bulgarians fear
to attack lest they be, caught between
two fires in the strip of territory from
the Saloniki- Dorian to the Saloniki-
Gievgeli railroads.
The central powers still are nego-
tiating with Greece. An interview with
Premier Skouloudis forecasts failure
of the efforts to prevent an invasion OF
Grecian Macedonia. It is estimated
that If an invasion is undertaken the
Athens government will devote its eff
forts toward obtaining guarantees or
the evacuation of Greek territory i'm
mediately following the completion or
military operations.
Along the western front Paris re-
ports successful artillery actions by
the French in the Champagne, WoeVre
and Vosges Berlin says operations are
restricted by incessant rain.
GREEK TROOPS DIssAND.