SIEGE OF KIAO-CHAU

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2293, 29 October 1914, Page 5

SIEGE OF KIAO-CHAU

NO CAUSE FOR HURRY. The Tango Maru, which arrived at Sydney on October 17, brought news as to probable operations at Kiao-ehau. The commander of one of the investing forces made a statement' on the subject to a representative of the "Komnuin" in Yokohama. It was, he-- said, absurd to belittle the defoncos of; the place, but it was more absurd to be afraid or them. About 17 years had elapsed since Germany obtained possession of the forts, and in that period she had completed the defences on the s.ea and on land at a great cost. Tho fortresses were of a modern type, and strong. Therefore it would be quite hopeless, he thought, to attempt to capture them from the sea. The defenders, appreciating this position, appealed to have abandoned their naval operations, and landed the guns off some of the_ warships, in order that as many bluejackets as possible could be allotted for the defence of the fortress. _ By this the'garrison would have available a force cstimated at between 6000 and 7000 men. Referring to the atactics that might be emploved by tho Allies, tho officer said:—"Since the Japanese army has had tho latest oxperienco in the siege of fortresses, they have olaborato tactics to capture the fort, if they are doterminod to do so. But the more hurried the action the greator will bo the sacrifirfo of life, as will bo seen from the experience at Port Arthur, or from what happened to tho Germans in the recent storming of Liege. But hurried action was necessary at Port Arthur and Liege, for the early capture of the fortresses concerned the entire position of tho contending armies. It was because of the secondary object that Port Arthur and Liege were taken quickly at the sacrifice of a, groat loss or life. But for present purposes the nation must bear in mind there is 110 cause for such hurried action. The stronghold in Kiaochau is far distant from Germany. Thoro being no means of communication there can be no -hope of tlie arrival of a relief army or the snpply of arihs and provisions' When the besiegers_ wait patiently tho'position must, fall in tho long run. In view of these circumstances it is quite reasonable that tho besiegers should open the attack deliberately when all is ready. This is tho only'method of attack to be contemplated by any military officer."