, 1916-02-19

AlluOuPn the pOSltlOhS occupied ny VIE eur
my are SO strong as to bar for the present he
development OF a forward movement, which
the splendid cou age of the italian troops is
sure eventually to push home. Notwithstand-
ing the heavy blows and the consequentlosses
sustained by Russia in the Summer of 1915,
her Army has been thoroughly reorgauized
and re-equipped, and her increas-
ell. The Turkish Army reinforced by Ger
man supplies was able to organize a move
ment of troops either against Egypt, or to
strengthen their forces in ~Mesopotamia, and
at the same time to bring more powerful
artillery to bear against our positions on the
Gallipoli Peninsula. 1t was therefore decl-
ded to withdraw from the Peninsula and
to reinforce our troop at SnlOnica and IN
Egypt. During last Winter an abortive
attempt on the Suez Canal was easily
pushed aside by the small British force
operating jn that neighbourhood, but as a
more serious attempt has been threatened
adequate preparations have been made TO
defend the Canal. The TurcO German in
fnence with the religious Chief of the
Senussi tribesmen on the west flank III
Egypt, succeeded III inducing the tribes
of Cyrenaica and TripoIi TO assume a
hostile attitude toward us. Their first at
tempts resulted in complete failure aud dis0s-
ter, and though this movement still causes a
certain amount of unrest, The admirable 10y
atty of the people of Egypt forms an effect
i've barrier to any penetration by these
raiders into the cult waited areas. In East
Africa several small engagements have ena-
bled us to extend our positions. In the
Kameruns joint operations undertaken by
French and British troops have brought the
country entirely under the control of the
Allies. The campaign there may be regard
ed as concluded. In the future, as in the
past, we have our dangers and difficulties
throughout which the spirit of our troops at
the front, and the calm determination of the
people at home to support them will enable
us 10 look forward to a victorious issue which
should ensure peace for many generations.
Petroglad, Feby. 10th The great Turkish
fortress Of Erzerum, the bulwark that stopped
Russian invasion of Armenia in all pre-
vious wars, is threatened with capture
by the Caucasus Army of the Grand Duke
Nicholas. An official statement early today
reported that rine of Erzernm's forts are
now in Russian hands. They were stormed
and taken at the point of the bayonet in
fierce struggle up the mountain sides in zero
weather. From their new positions the
Slavs can now train their guns at close range
on other forts held by the Turks. A Turk
ish garrison of 160, 900 is reported gathered
inside the walls of Erzerum. Occupation of
the remaining forts and the capture OF this
force will bring a greater triumph to Russian
arms than the capture of Przemysl i'll Galicia.
The fall of Erzerum would pave The way for q
great Spring advance by the Grand Dukes
army through eastern Armenia and perhaps
force Turkey TO sue for peace.
London, Feby. 16tb-The Official Gazette
of the 10Th announces that tobacco both
manufactured and unmanufactured including
cigars and cigarettes, are now on the list of
restricted Imports from 1st March. The
"Daily Express" says that the Board of Trade
may grant licenses to import prohibited
goods on certain conditions.
London, Feby. 16th-The "Daily Mail"
expresses the opinion that the first of March,
when the German Memorandum comes into
effect respecting armed merchantmen, will
see the inauguration of a new German sub
marine campaign with newly built vessels
of an alleged tonnage of 5000. These ves-
els are reported 10 be capable of crossings
and reorossing the Atlantic without needing
fresh fuel or water, aud according to the
email" they will act as long-raDge ommerce
destroyers.
London, Feby. 15th-A despatch to Reu-
ter's Telegraph Coy. from Athens says;
Anotbor 1;plonootio clash hot tho Graaks