NOTES ON THE WAR

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2297, 3 November 1914, Page 4

NOTES ON THE WAR

The reported evacuation by the Germans of Wetteren and, Lebbeke in Belgium is significant.' These are the most easterly points at which the Allies' advance has yet made itself felt. Wettefen is about 50 miles from the Franco-Belgian frontier, and Lebbeke about 60 miles therefrom. The la.tter town is indeed only 10 or 12 miles to the north-west of Brussels. It is possible, of course, that, the Germantroops have been transferred from, these places in order to strengthen the forces near the sea coaßt, where preparations are said to-be in hand for a determined stand. _ Even so, however, it must be a risky move. The holding of the coast-line of Belgium to the north-east of Ostend apparently is an important feature of the present German plan of campaign, the idea no douot being to' endeavour to secure a base from which submarines might.' threaten British shipping and vessels patrolling the waters-of the English Channel. It is also desired, of course, to encourage the belief that an invasion of England is within sight, and so discourage the transfer of troops from Britain to the Continent. While the possibility of an invasion of England is not ignored by . the Home authorities, it is plain that German bluff is not to be allowed to deter the Mother Country from dispatching further troops to the chief centre _of conflict in Europe. They .will be sent there as they complete their training, and will assist in the task of 'driving the Kaiser's forces not only from the sea coast of Belgium, but out of Belgium and . France altogether. It is not at all likely that Earl _ Rltohener would be content to build up a force to-await in England the possibility of an invasion when it could do infinitely more good by assisting in. the overthrow of the German forces on the Continent.

' The efforts of the Germans to regain the lost ground in Belgium are being persisted with at great cost and with little success. To-day's messages show that all attacks on the Allies' lines have been again repulsed, and that the Allies hava gained still further ground in the north and to the east of Ypres. So also in France. At no point have the Germans gained' any advantage.

The Russian forces in Poland continue on their victorious way. They have progressed along the ''whole front extending across Poland from Petrikau to the junction of the Vistula and the rivers on tho Galician frontier, _ the .Germans rebefore tho irresistible _ weight of their advance. In Galicia, too, and on the frontier on the north of East Prussia they have met with successes. Yesterday's messages indicated ■ that the Austro-German foroes intended to retire to Silesia, and there act on the defensive while tho campaign in France and Belgium was being pressed home. On present. appearances they will have all their work cut out to reach Silesia, for the Russian Right appears to have developed an enveloping movement, which is liable to cut off the German line of retreat to Silesia. The situation from .the Allies' point of viow is wholly satisfactory. Russia is now moving in all her might—slowly,' perhaps, but it should prove irresistibly.

Foe the moment Turkey occupies the centre of interest, not so much because of anything that she might do herself, but because of, the complications whioh may arise as tho result of her throwing in, her lot with Germany. The information so far to' hand is reassuring. The fear that the Mohammedans in India might be influenced by the fact that the head of their religious order- is arrayed against Britain seems slight.- The Viceroy of India has taken prompt iiteps to have the true facta of the position fully, oir-

culafced amongst all classes in India, and so far the result has been most satisfactory. Responsible Mohammedans have expressed their sympathy with Britain, and prayers are being offered in the mosques for Britain's success. Among the Balkan States, Greece has already taken precautions against the possibility of Turkish aggression, and is prepared for war. Bulgaria, whoso inclinations have been regarded as somewhat uncertain, has now declared her intention to maintain her neutrality, but this may not prove possible with a neighbour liko Turkey. It seems, however, ' that despite her differences with Servia, Bulgaria is more likely.to bo on the side of the Entente than on" that of Germany. So also with Rumania. Italy still appears to be balancing, and it is impossible to tell what the change cf Government about to take place thero will bring forth. It is inconceivable that slie could now assist the Austro-Gcrman Alliance, and a_ Turkish success would greatly imperil her recently-acquired territory in Tripoli. '.Yet she hesitates to join witn the Entente where her whole interests appear to lie. The truth is no doubt that she is not prepared financially for war.