THE KITCHENER MYSTERY

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2613, 9 November 1915, Page 5

THE KITCHENER MYSTERY

BRITISH WAR MINISTER'S JOURNEY EAST

VARIOUS PRESS OPINIONS

HOW NISH FELL

MAGNIFICENT SERBIAN DEFENCE

RUSSIA'S RECOVERY

IMPORTANT SUCCESSES

The mystery about Lord Kitchener's unexpected departure from tho War Oißce, en route for tho East, is still the sensation of tho moment in London. Tlio newspapers on both sides of the Channel give themselves up to a discussion of possibilities and probabilities, from which have emerged various in teresting theories. There is a general air of expectancy about the future of the Balkan operations, and from a- German newspaper it is gathered—but not necessarily believed—that a groat concentration of troops is proceeding in Bessarabia, presumably in preparation for some great blow. The German offensive in Russia, which wavered and then stopped, is now receding. The Russians are fighting "as thoy have never fought before," to quoto from a German's letter, and are achieving a series of successes the value of which is enhanced by tho large capture of prisoners. There is very little news from the West; bombardment is general along the whole front. America has handed to Great Britain a strongly-worded Note on the British blockade.

KITCHENER'S MISSION TO THE EAST

A CONFERENCE IN PARIS COMPLETE ACCORD WITH GENERAL JOFFRE AND M. BRIAND By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright Paris, November 7. Lord Kitchener left here, after a- conference with 31. Briaml (the French Premier) and General Joffre concerning the Eastern operations. He assured himself that they were in complete accord, PRESS OPINION ON THE EVENT. London, November 7. The "Observer" says: "Lord Kitchener's mission dominates tlio situation. No augury less than hopeful must be drawn. Obviously the key to the struggle lies in the East, suggesting three main points. First, we intend that the Russian offensive of 1916 shall have free plav in the war of attrition, and the Western Powers must link up across tlio Balkans with the Tsar's armies; secondly, Constantinople must continue to bo the main British objective, however it is approached; thirdly, the new plans must be based on tlio best counsels, and the Army and Navy must send Aegeanwards forces without stint." The "News of the World" says it is understood that the delicate task of establishing greater co-operation between the Allies has been entrusted to Lord Kitchener, who has special qualifications for such a mission. "Reynold's Newspaper" says that though tlio precise nature of the task cannot in the public interest be at present disclosed, it will be ultimately recognised that Lord Kitchener is the man most likely to succeed therein. The country's obligation to him has been greatly increased by his acceptance of the mission. (Rec. November 8, 8.10 p.m.) Paris, November 7. The Paris "Temps" says: "Lord Kitchener's journey shows the extent to which the British Government is imbued with the necessity of giving the Eastern campaign full attention. Throughout, Lord Kitchener has been a confirmed advocate of British co-operation with Franco's relief expedition to Serbia, and General Joffre's visit has dissipated the last remnants of hesitation. but the British Cabinet asked Lord Kitchener to examine th.e Easterntheatre on the spot." ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Sorvices.) (Rec. November 8, 5.5 p.m.) London] November 7. The "Daily Chronicle" says that if Lord Kitchener has decided that Whitehall no longer offers the best scope for .his talents, it is possible that he might be called on to co-ordinate our action with the Eastern armies, where his peculiaVauthority in Oriental matters marks him out. llere are also problems closely centring in India. If he has 'decided to leave the War Office it will only signify that he has done tlio work which he lias been called to do, and sees harder work awaiting him elsewhere. THE SUPPRESSION OF THE "GLOBE." \ London, November 7. In connection with the suppression of the newspaper "Globe" (following upon certain statements alleging that Lord Kitchener had resigned, the polico seized the files of the newspaper and a. quantity of correspondence, cut off tho clcctric power, and removed the stereotype plates and vital parts of tho printing and linotype machines. AN INTERNATIONAL GENERAL STAFF. (Rec. November 8, 10.35 p.m.) , , Paris, November 8. Lord Kitchener s visit was a. profound secret. The general opinion is that Lord Kitchener's presence in Greece will g0 f ar to show tlio Greeks that the Allies intend to act with vigour. The authorities are discussing the creation of an international body to save the constant journeying between London Paris. Probably the Council will bo composed of Allied soldiers of authority would act as" an international general staff, and serving as a clearing-houso of military information in advance. BIG OPERATIONS PENDING IN THE EAST WHAT A GERMAN NEWSPAPER SAYS, ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. November 8, 5,5 p.m.) _ ~ i- London, November 7, The "Frankfurter Gazette claims that- tho Allies are preparing on a great scale for combined operations in the Balkans and Russia. The concentration of immense forces in Bessarabia indicates an intention to cross Rumania. The Anglo-Fronch staffs are planning landing at ICavaln and Dedeagatc'h, and have chosen the Albania port of Santa. Quaranta as a base for further operations, although this port belongs to Greece. A NEW ALLIED BASE IN THE BALKANS THE BULGARIAN DEFEAT AT KRIVOLAK By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright Turin, November 7. Newspapers at Salonika state that the Allies are preparing a new base in the Balkans. A British and Italian bspeflitionary Forco will probably concentrate at Valona (chief port of Albania), whence it could roach ilona&tir 111 ton days..

ANGLO-FRENCH TItOOPS POURING INTO SERBIA. Salonika, November 7. Largo numbers of Anglo-French troops are leaving nightly for Serbia. The authorities are taking precautions to prevent the computing of the numbers. The Greek authorities are constructing a jetty aiul new roads to hasten the disembarkation. The British. French, and Greek (?) armies are simultaneously disembarking at t'he port, which was Jiot constructed for military operations, MAGNIFICENT DEFENCE OF NISH SERBIANS FIGHT TO THE DEATH. Bj Telegraph—Press Association—Oopyiisht (Rec. November 8, 10.35 p.m.) Bucharest, November 8. The defence of Nish was one of tie most heroic deeds of tha war. Tho Serbians were outnumbered by five to ono by General Bojadieff's troops, whoso rapid adv/ince was a masterpiece of genoralship. The Serbians fought to the last, and few prisoners were taken. Tho Bulgarians, entering Nish, marched over three miles of ground, covered with Serbian dead and wounded. Fifteen thousand Bulgarians were killed. . General Jekow telegraphed to M. RadoslavofE (the Bulgarian Premier): "The Bulgarian flag has been hoisted forever ou tha fortress of Nish. Tho Premier's reply acluiowledged the phrase. Berlin, November 8. Rejoicings took place in Germany with the fall of Nish. Flags were everyw^ere' • _ << i Preparations are being made to tuii the Orient express from Benin to Constantinople, when the bridge from Belgrade has been rebuilt. (Rec. November 8, 9.30 p.m.) London, November 8. The "Daily Mail's" Athens correspondent state's that tho Serbians offered .1 magnificent defence at Nish. "They fought successive actions as tho enemy advanced his first line, which extended from Suva Planum Mountains to the road north-east of Nish. Tho enemy advanced by two routes, one, along the Banias-Nish Road, and the other, up the Nisava Valley. The Serbians in their last stand fortified the hills around the town and succeeded in retiring in good order before greatly superior forces. "The Bulgarians are reinforcing at Ishtip, with the object of preventing the French from helping tho Serbians. The Allies' success in tho Babuna Pass endangers tho Bulgars' position at Uskub. "Tho Serbians are successfully resisting on t'he mountains at the northeast corner of Serbia. It is now generally understood that tho Allies intend to conduct the campaign with resolute energy. The Allied forces in the Balkans will number at least 300,000." SANGUINARY DEFEAT OF THE BULGARS DEADLY FIRE OF THE FRENCH ARTILLERY. Paris, November 7. The "Petit Parisien's" Salonika correspondent says the Bulgarian repulse at Krivolak was sanguinary. After a long artillery preparation, they rushed to the assault, but encounteed the full blast of tho French artillery, rifles, and machine-guns. . The French crossed the frontier east of Rabrovo and captured a dominating position near Cortrino. They also captured other villages.. Fighting was fiercely resumed on Saturday. The French artillery inflicted enormous losses. Many of tho enemy were drowned while ■ attempting to rccross the river. Important reinforcements of British effectives are shortly expected. The Austro-Germau advance in North Serbia seems to havo been arrested. A communique states: "Fighting lias ccased along our advanced positions at Krivolak on Friday. We continue to progress at Rabrovo." BULGARIAN PLANS NOW CLEAR (Rec. November S, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 7. Tho "Daily Telegraph's" Nish correspondent states that the Bulgar plan is now clear. Their offensive in Macedonia aims at the plain of Kossovo, cutting the communications between old and new Serbia, but tliey must first dispose of the Franco-British. forces at- Strumnitza and Krivolak. The Bulgars in old Serbia aim at cutting off the retreat of the Serbians in the northeast corner, and also by occupying the road to Prishtina and advancing along tho Morava Valley, to join tho Austro-Germans. Two hundred and fifty thousand Bulgars are engaged in these plains, while other divisions aro at Dedeagatcli and Varna, two and a half divisions aro along the Danube opposite Rumania, and the last division, which is distributed because it is Russophile, has been kept at Starazagora. The Bulgarian plan was evidently made in Germany and throws the brunt of the fighting on t'he Bulgarians. The forces in tlie north consist of ninety thousand Germans and sixty thousaud Austrians. The sending of Von Mackcnsen's announcement of the Kaiser's visit to the Balkans was part of a game of bluff to frighten the neutrals. _ BULGARIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 8, 10.35 p.m.) Amsterdam, November 8. A Bulgarian official communique states"We arrested an Anglo-French offensive at Perlepe and Krivolak, repulsing them with considerable losses and taking many prisoners." GERMAN. OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. London, November 7. A German communique states: "The Austrians threw back the Serbians at Gracina and advanced to the valley of tho Moraya, beyond Slatina. They forced river crossings on both sides of Kralyevo, which we captured, taking 130 suns. Our troops are .now close to Krushevatz. "General von Gallwitz captured 3000 prisoners, some ammunition, and also an English field gun." Amsterdam, November 7. The Germans claim to have captured two millions sterling worth of metal, oil. and rubber at Kragujevatz. Fourteen buildings outside the town were filled with ammunition. __ AUSTRIAN BARGES SUNK IN THE DRINA. (Rcc. November 9, 1.10 a.m.) Paris, November 8. A belated Cettinge message states that in the last week of October several barges fujl of Austrian soldiers were sunk in the Drina, near Visegrad. SERBIAN TREASURY GOING TO FRANCE. Geneva, November 7. Tho Serbian treasury has arrived at Salonika under Greek escort. It will probably be sent to 1* ranee. A BULGAR TO THE BULGARS NATION LED TO SELF-IMMOLATION-("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) . Petrograd, November 7. The Russian newspaper "Novoe Vremya" interviewed General Dimitrieff (some time Bulgarian Minister at Petrograd, and since the war commander of one,'of the Russian armies), who firmly that tho great masses of Bulgaria, are averse to political intrigue, and regard the present events with sorrow.' The Bulgarians are being led to self-immolation. "King Ferdinand is indifferent whether the Bulgarians survive or perish—he is losing nothing." The General thinks the Bulgarians will not offer a determined resistance to the, Russian troops. "If," he said, "my vgice reaches Bulgaria, 1 believe my old" army will heed it." THE NEW GREEK CABINET OLD BODY WITH A NEW HEAD. London, November 7. A Reuter's message from Athens, by way of New York, states that M. Scouloudcs has accepted the commission of forming a Cabinet. It is practically certain a dissolution of Parliament will be avoided. Athens, November 7. M. Sconloudes retains all the members of the late Cabinet except M. Zaimis. ZAIMIS POLICY TO BE CARRIED ON. (Rec. November 8, 8.10 p.m.) , Athens, November 7. The new Cabinet will carry ou M. Zaimis's policy. AN ATTITUDE OF "VERY BENEVOLENT NEUTRALITY." (Rec. November 8, 9.40 p.m.) Athens, November S. M. Skouloudis (tho now Premier) states that lie proposes to observe an rttitudo of very bonevolent neutrality towards the Entente Powers. It is expected that the Chamber will bo prorogued in ton days, when it will complete its legal term of thrco months. Tlie Venizelists will probably approve, and thus will avoid an election, the result of which would be uncertain owing to tho mobilisation of tho Greek Army. THE NEW PREMIER AND THE ALLIES. (Rec. November S, 10.35 p.m.) London, November 8. The "Daily Chronicle's" Athens correspondent says that, 31. Skouloudis ii mutation for ability »«'l Ha is frw from the party buirilmid friendly diajjosed to the Allies, and especially to England.

POPULAR OPINION IN GREECE. (Rec. Novembor 8, 9.40 p.m.) Rome, November 8. The genond opinion hero is that tho Greek crisis will not affect tho Entente.. M. Yenizelos's victory is without importance because •t'he country is not with liim, and tho King has merely ordered an election, which is to take place in six months. Dr. Dillon points out that King Constantino, tho Greek G«noral Staff, and a large percentage of the Deputies are firmly convinced that the Entonto Powers are bound to bo defeated. Tho Greeks are a mercantile people, and aro unwilling to lose their enormous trade, while King Constantino is a national lioro. Many of tho Greeks regard him as the first strategist in tho world. GERMAN OFFICERS IN GREECE. (Rec. November 8, 10.35 p.m.) London*, November 8. llig correpnndent of the Daily Express," writing from Rome, says that numerous German officers aro beginning to arrive in Greece. They are not wearing uniform, but it is impossiblo to ■ mistake their profession. AN UNCONSTITUTIONAL MONARCH. (Rec. November 8, 10.35 p.m.) ~ , London, November 8. sir Edward Pears, speaking at the Trocadero, said tlw£ wben the Goeben was going into Constantinople she coaled near Athens wdtls. tho connivance of King Constantine, who gave orders t<i. grant the necessary facilities, without any intervention from tho Ministry of Marine. EVENTS IN THE DARDANELLES ARTILLERY DUELS AND SEA BOMBARDMENTS.. j , London, November 7. A Turkish communique states: 'There 'have been artillerv duels on the Dardanelles front. Cruisers and a monitor bombarded our position at Ari Burmi and Seddul Balir. Our artillery destroyed tho enemy's ammunition depot. (Rec. November 9, 1.10 a.m.) . , Amsterdam, November 8. Our artillery near Anafarta bombarded a torpedo boat and transport off Kemiklilimp. Several. hits were observed, and the transport departed enveloped in smoke. ' "An enemy's aeroplane, damaged by fire, fell into the sea near Kuchukkenikli. "Three of tlie enemy's armoured vessels and one torpedo boat in the same sector engaged in an unsuccessful bombardment of our positions. The enemy, after artillery preparation, attempted to advance against our centre. Tho attack failed. The enemy fired thirteen hundred shells against our left-win* unavailingly." ° TURKISH LOSSES ON GALLIPOLI. . , . . _ , . m , , . London, November 7. A neutral resident of Turkey has arrived at Copenhagen. He says that Mr. Asquith under-estimated the strength of the Turks at the Dardanelles ■ it was nearly half a million. The Turks had had terrible losses in killed and wounded. Constantinople needed help as much as Serbia. Supplies of ammunition are lacking. The city is swarming with Germans. PIRATE SUBMARINES IN THE MEDITERRANEAN. no- • i -P i. • t r,-, , PariS| November 7. Official—fcnemy submarines passed Gibraltar last week, and sank three steamers off tho Algerian coast. The crew of ono is missing. EFFECTIVE RECOVERY BY THE ' RUSSIANS THE BATTLE OF HOSTUKHNORKA SUDDEN BLOW ON THE STRYPA Tho High Commissioner reports:— London, November 7, 4.15 a.m. Petrograd reports: "At the battle of Hostukhuorka, on November 4, we took 75G prisoners. "A sudden blow, delivered at the crossing of the River Strypa. near Semikovtze, resulted in 8500 prisoners being captured. The enemy made energetic efforts to rescue tho prisoners, but these proved futile." RUSSIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 8, 8.10 p.m.) Petrograd, November 7. A Russian official communique states: "We forced tho Germans to retire south-west of Riga and dispersed the enemy on the Dvina. "Wo took trenches near Lake Sventen. "The enemy's troops on the Strypa were repulsed." GERMAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright London, November 7. A.German official communique says: "The Russian attacks near Illukst and Ilsen failed. "Tlie Russians penetrated our positions at Sventsen, but were afterwards ejected." THE INITIATIVE IN GALICIA Petrograd, November 7. The initiative in Galicia is with tho Russians, wljo, between November 1 and November 4, by means of sharp blows on the Strypa, captured 28,000 prisoners and fourteen cannon. THE GERMAN FAILURE AT DVINSK Paris, Novembor 7. M. Naudaud (tho Frencli correspondent at Russian Headquarters) says that the general situation on the Riga-Dvinsk front is most satisfactory. Dvinsk is the key to tho Dvina line, and the German prospects of capturing the town grow more hopeless. The Germans have fallen back five versts, abandoning fortified trenches. Everything bears testimony of the rehabilitation of the Russian forces. The Russian artillery often silences the enemy's artillery. VIGOROUS EXHORTATION TO THE RUSSIANS. Petrograd, November 7. General Brusiloff told a representative of the ''Bourse Gazetto" who is visiting the front that lie was disgusted with tho pusillanimity at Petrograd and the stupid rumours. He said no doubt t'he enemy had been brought-to a halt and does not possess sufficient strength to overthrow the Russians, who will advance at the proper moment and drive the Germans forth. It is essential that the public should retain its calm. Tlie troops aro amply supplied with ammunition and aro well clad, fed, and shod. Germany is sending to the war cripples and old men. Disgrace and death was tho portion of those 'dreaming of peace; it was better to die than even think of failure. "OUR WORTHLESS DRAFTS READY TO BOLT," SAYS A GERMAN. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. Novembei 8, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 7. An undispatched letter, which was found on the body of a German officer on the Eastern front, says: "Tho Russians are fighting as they have never fought before. Tho German failures aro due to our recent drafts, which are worthless, and ready to bolt the momeut the Russians appear."

ON THE WESTERN FRONT A GENERAL BOMBARDMENT Tlie High Commissioner reports:— London, November 7, 1 a.m. "In tho Champagne district there has been a bombardment with shells of largo calibre at Hill 199. Bombardment is general on the whole front." KAISER. REVIEWS NEW ARMY FOR THE WEST. (Rec. November 8, 8.10 p.m.) London, November 8. The Kaiser, reviewing fifty thousand hoops at Thiclt (in Flanders), prior to their departure for the front, said: "It is on t'ho AVcstern front where tho nerostitv for our fmcc'esß is paramount, JBrituui has draeced in other Powers to

help to crush the only nation she has feared. By the grace of God we are marching triumphantly to the final victory!" A PEACE CONGRESS REPORTED CONVENTION BY SWEDEN By l'eleerapli—Press Association—Copyright Copenhagen, November 7. Tho Swedish Government intends to convene a Peace Congress, either at'Tho Hague (Holland) or Malmo (Sweden). ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, November 7. The German Press is disappointed at the firmness of Mr. Asquitji's recent speech. It was, expected there would be soma reference to the possibility of a.peace comoromisa.