New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1915-10-27

But II was not only Serbia that invoked
our cooperation.
SERBIA was bound 20 Greece by
geographical propinquity. by common
Interests IN this war and by treaty
obligations. Moreover, Il was 9niy
through Grecisn territory that help
could possibly reach Serbia IL was
only BY the use Of great force that
base could be provided for Il. In the
circumstances the good will OF Greece
was Of first importance 20 US, and we
had at that time every reason 20 feeI
assured that we had that good will.
Al the Instance OF Nenizelos.
~venizelos was still in power, and at
his instance we undertook 70 provloe
a force for the purpose Of enabling
Greece 10 fulfil her treaty obligations
20 Serbia. II was under such eircum-
stance, that we sent such troops as
we're available 20 Salonica. Il was
small force. because only q small force
could be collected at the time.
The French government. on It's slde'
dispatched a force which IS now on
the spot and which apparently at tnis
moment Is engaged with the Buiga-
fans on the eastern frontier OF Serbia.
At the same time larger force was
prepared for service In Southeastern
turope. ard transports were taken out
for the purpose Of conveying II 10 us
destination.
II suggest that these steps-ineom-
pleto. no doubt-were taken WIN greSt
promptitude, and they were the only
one, which could be taken 20 relieve
the position Of Serbia. They were
taken after full elaboration with the
adyigeYG
"The British force at Salonica-
thirteen thousand, In round numbers
NAV be regarded as the precursor OF q
larger force. which has been put under
orders. Al the same time, the use 20
which that force will be put must oe-
,enJ on the situation when II arrives
at the scene.
When Greece Drew Back.
events have moved very rapidly IN
that mart Of the world. There have been
two quite recent developments when
profoundly affected the military ana
political situation The first was the
deliberate decision Of the Greek gov
eminent that her treaty engagements
did not REQUIRE her TO go 70 the rescue
of Serbia in the present momentous
crisis. and the other is the progress OF
tho campaign in Northern Serbia.
Lord Iansdowne, after giving some
details of the position OF the SERBIAN
armies, expressed his opinion as TO the
outlook for Serbia, as quoted above.
Continuing. he said:
"The military plans must depend
upon the military situation when the
endorsements arrive, and upon TINS
noint the Allies are OF one mind. Inc
military and naval advisers OF Great
Britain and France will consult, and
until these consultations are concluoed
cannot say for what purpose the BTU
ism force will be used.
Discussions are now proceeding /
and General Monro. who arrived IN
that part Of the world to-day, has been
instructed 20 report as soon as pos
sible his opinion Of all the aspects OF
the case.
Impulsive Action Unlikely.
Tord Loreburn need have no appre..
hension in this or any other matter OF /
he kind that the government is likely |
10 be led into precipitate action owing
10 some hurried impulse or some vague
sentiment TO achieve its object Az
svery step the government VIII take
he best military and naval advice Cd
.ainable. and that advice VIII nave reI-
,rence not only 10 the new enterprise
but 10 all subsidiary questions, WIN
regard 20 safeguarding communities
ions and the supply Of men and ma
erial."
Lord Ian.downe said that an en-
i.ayor would be made TO use the pres
pnt force at Salonica TO counter the
movements of the central powers to
cross Bulgaria, but the precise method
of countering and attack must OWL
ousIy be left for further very careful
The Earl Of Cromer, who was for
many wears British Plenipotentiary
and Consul General in Cairo, added his
voice 10 that Of Lord Loreburn for
more information. He suggested that
he government make some statement
showing at nil events what he believed
10 be the case-that the centre OF
rravitv OF the war had been trans
ferred from the west 20 the east-and
rive some general indication OF how
.hev intended TO meet the situation.
Earl KITCHENER" said Lord Cromer,
has been singularly parsimonlous IN
mis- utterances in the House of Lords,
and, speaking canddly, his statements
nave never contained much more than
what we have already read in the daily
papers. We want something when
viii show that there is real grasp OF
The situation and TO be told in general
outline what Is to be done about it."
Lord Cromer disassociated himself
from those who wished a change IN
he government, but strongly advocated
4 smaller Cabinet. -
Lord Loreburn, who expressed dis
satisfaction with Lord Lansdowne's an
swer, supported, as did other members
Of the House, the suggestion OF a
smaller executive. and in reply Earl
Curzon Of Kedleston, Lord Privy Seal,
said that Premier Asquith had this
matter under consideration. Lord
Lansdowne said that he personally
favored g change.