MR.CHURCHILL BREAKS SILENCE

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2621, 17 November 1915, Page 5

MR.CHURCHILL BREAKS SILENCE

SOME INSIDE HISTORY j . DARDANELLES AD ANTWERP . ' EXPEDITIONS THE BREAK WITH LORD FISHER SERBS STILL UNBROKEN CRITICAL SITUATION AT MONASTIR VIOLENT BATTLE WITH THE BULGARS TA telegram from Sydney states that telegraphic communication generally continues to be badly congested, owing .to the busk fires, and the resultant interference with the Australian laud lines, and a block on tho Canadian section of the Pacific line, which is delaying tlis cable news.] Telegraphic communications are still interrupted, but an interesting budget has filtered through. Mr. Churchill's statement in the House of Commons* about his share, and the responsibility of others, in the Antwerp expedition and the Dardanelles campaign during his regime, as First Lord of the Admiralty, discloses some new facts, and inter alia leaves Lord Fisher, ex-First Sea Lord, in a position which, says Press comment, calls for some defenos. Mr. Asquith's comment is that Mr. Churchill has said certain things which would have been better left - unsaid, and left out others which should have been said, and would be said hereafter. The report stage of the vote for the £400,000,000' war oredit which the Government is asking for has evoked some bitterness. An attack has been made on Lord Kitchener, while Sir Edward Carson utters some plain words in regard to Britain's obligation to Serbia and his resignation from tho Cabinet. In the Balkans, tho Serbians are maintaining their heroic resistance. Tho situation at Monastir is critical. The Anglo-French front in the southern sector is heavily en- " gaging the Bulgars, and the latter arc suffering heavy losses. NO FURTHER TEMPORISING FROM KING ; CONSTANTINE IMPORTANT DECISIONS EXPECTED ALLIES PREPARED FOR SEVERE MEASURES - i By Telegraph.—Press Association—Copyright „ -r, • , Uondon, November 15. The "Daily, Telegraph's" Paris correspondent says that the Entente mil soon be making important decisions respecting Greece. France is now determined not to tolerate temporising from King Constantino; "I can state" he says, "that the slightest un-neutral proceedings by Greece at Salonika' mil meet with severe measures." i The Petrograd newspapers prominently discuss Greece's attitude. The consensus of opinion is that if King Constantino's advisers contemplate fresh manoeuvres against Serbia, the only coourse for tho Quadruple Entente is to remind M. Skouloudis that .Athens is not boyond the roach of the Allies' Aegean fleet. AN EXTRAORDINARY STORY GERMAN OFFICERS VISIT SALONIKA'. ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) London, November 15. The Allies landing at Salonika is being carried on since November 1 with feverish haste. Enormous quantities of war material and troops have been landed. ' Four German officers, including Baron von Falkenhausen and Priuce Bulow's son, have arrived at Salonika. They observed the work of tho AngloFrench forces, and have motored to Zeitenlik, whore the Allied troops were encamped, high Greek olficers being in attendance. Subsequently they departed for Athens in a Greek torpedo-boat. Tho party constitutes a special German mission for tho immediate : establishment, under German tutelage, of active relations between tho Cabinets of Constantinople, Sofia, Bucharest, and Athens, and bearing King Ferdinand's explicit declaration to King Constantino.of the friendly intentions of Bulgaria, guaranteed by Germany, and another declaration stating that' Rumania is remaining neutral. CRITICAL SITUATION AT MONASTIR defenders hard pressed by the bulgars. ' (Rec. November 16, 9.55 p.m.) . _ ~ , , . „ . . . Rome, November 15. The Serbian Army has saved all its artillery and locomotives, and is preserving sufficient ammunition to enable a great offensive to bo made. Meanwhile it continues its heroic resistance with unimpaired morale and exemplary discipline. King Peter is constantly at tho firing line exhorting his soldiers to hold out until he himself dies. Tho situation at Monastir is critical. The Bulgarians are pressing Colonel Vassitz hard. ' EFFECTIVE BOMBARDMENT OF DEDEAGATCH GOOD WORK BY AN ITALIAN CRUISER. (Rcc. November 16, 11.15 p.m.) , , Salonika, November 16. Tho Italian cruiser Picdmonto bombarded Dedeagatch, sotting tho railway station on fire, and destroying two trains. Tho bombardment silenced tho shore batteries. Tho cruiser cleverly manoeuvred and escaped a submarine attack. The | Picdmonto fired on the submarine, whoso fate is uncertain. BULGARS FIGHTING A BLINDFOLD WAR. (Bee. November 16, 9.45 p.m.) . Salonika, November 15. Tho death penalty is imposed in Bulgaria, upon anyone attempting to inform tho people that Bulgaria is fighting against Russia. Tho lower" classes aro completely ignorant. Travellers declare that in the evesit of a Russian invasion the Bulgarians will not oppose them. MONTENEGRINS REPULSE THE ENEMY. (Bee. November 16, 9.25 p.m.) Salonika, November 15. A Montenegrin communique states: "Wo repulsed tho cnem.v cvm.ywlisrii ..except at Viscurad, where wo were compelled to fall back to a better gositioa,' l

HIGH COMMISSIONER'S REPORT. Tho High Commissioner reports:— London, November 15, 4.25 p.m. 11l the Balkans, on November 12, tho French progressed north of Rahrovo, in the direction of Ncsturino. The Bulgars violentlv attacked 011 tho whole front on tho right bank of the Cerna, and were repulsed, with heavy losses." London, November 16, 3.5 a.m. Paris reports: "The Orient Army is in violent action 011 the left bank of the River Cerna." FRENCH OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 16, 10.40 p.m.) .Paris, November 16. A French official communique states: "Thero has been a violent- action 011 tho left bank of tho Cerna. Tho Bulgarians continue their vain attacks. "We havo established closor connection with tho Serbians at Prilep." AUSTRIAN OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 16, 9.25 p.m.) London, November 15. An Austrian communique states: "Tlio pursuit of tho Serbians continues. The Bulgarians havo captured 8500 prisoners and twelve guns." LORD KITCHENER REPORTED AT MUDROS. (Rec. Novembor*l6, 11.25 p.m.) Rome, November 16. It is reported that Lord Kitchener has arrived at Mudros. OUR PLEDGE TO SERBIA SIE EDWARD OAESON SPEAKS OUT. (Rec. November 16, 10.40 p.m.) London, November 16. In the House of Commons, Sir Edward Carson denied the statement -which had been made by Sir Edward Grey that he (the speaker) had resigned before the decision with regard to Serbia was made. On the contrary, at the last meeting of the War Committee he attended, a most emphatic decision was reached, founded on the advice of our military advisers, that it was too late to assist Serbia. He warmly protested, and urged, in view of our pledges, that Serbia should be told, so as to enable her to take her own steps against absolute destruction. Ho left the Cabinet owing to that decision, and-discussed tho matter with Mr. Bonar Law and Mr. Lloyd ' George, Ministers whose judgment lie most relied upon. They did not dissent from his view, and both sent memoranda to Cabinet on tho subject. Mr. Asquith, replying, said that there had been no delay in sending troops, while others had been sent to Alexandria in .readiness. The necessity for helping Serbia had always bulked largely in tho Government's view. Mr. Bonar Law said: "It is not true that Sir Edward Carson and myself galloped up to the fence together, and that Sir Edward Carson took it and I refused. I found 110 reason for resignation. It is true that the Coalition Government is not succeeding as I had hoped, and it is therefore necessary that a smaller body should bo entrusted will executive action." THE WAR ON GALLIPOLI PENINSULA NO IMPORTANT ACTION SINCE NOVEMBER 1. (Reo. November 16, 10.40 p.m.) Paris, November 16. A French official communique states: "There has be&n 110 important action on Gallipoli since November 1. The Turkish artillery and infantry are intermittently active, while the British monitors continue their bombardment." PREACHING A CONQUEST FOR ISLAM THE TURCO-GERMAN MENACE OF -EGYPT. , '' , (Rec. November 16, 9.40 p.m.) m, ~n ~ m, 1, ~t* — London, November 15. Tho "Daily Telegraph's" Rome correspondent states that Turkish priests are preaching tlift conquest of Egypt, Tunis, Libya, Morocco, the Caucasus, and India, and aro also proclaiming tho Ivaiser to bo a Messenger from Mahomet. They allege that the Kaiser is mentioned in tho Koran, where lie is called Muhubul Islam. A great expedition is being organised against Egypt-, preparations for which have 'begun in Asia Minor, where German engineers and officers have arrived. Negotiations are in progress for securing the co-operation of Abyssinia. THE CAMPAIGN IN MESOPOTAMIA. 1 London, November 15. Letters received at Router's Agency in London show that tho British were at Azizeali, within forty miles of Bagdad, some weeks ago. THE HUNS FAILURE AT RIGA ' GERMANS EVACUATING MITAU RETREAT HAMPERED BY THE RUSSIAN GUNS. ("Timeß" and Sydneey "Sun" Services.) (Rec. November '16, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 15. The "Times's" correspondent at Petrograd reports that the Germans are evacuating Mitau, and removing huge stores of ammunition. The Russian long-range guns are firing on the Tulikum-Mitau railway, and preventing its use for the German retreat, MR. CHURCHILL DEFENDS HIS ADMINISTRATION DARDANELLES AND ANTWERP EXPEDITIONS THE TROUBLE WITH LORD FISHER By-Telflgraph—Press Asuodation-OopyTifflit (Rec. November 16, 7.25 p.m.) , r „ London, November 16. In the Houso of Commons, M r - Winston Churchill—who resigned his seat in tho National Government last week for reasons which he set out in his letter-to tho Prime Minister (published on Monday)—gavo his promised statement reviewing his -war administration at the Admiralty, with particular reference to the Am verp expedition and the Dardanelles campaign. The House was crowded when ho entered, but there was no demonstration. Tho ox-First Lord received an encouraging chert 1 when he rose to address the House. Speaking from the corner seat behind the Treasury bench. Mr. Churchill said that the fact that he did not take a place on the front Opposition bench did not imply criticism of those who did. Ho earnestly hoped that Sir Ed-ward-Carson would bo constantly in attendance at the Houso in the public interest. Someone with complete secret information, and independent of the Government, should bo available on tho front Opposition bench. It was Sir Edward Carson's war station. Regarding tho destruction of the cruisers of tho Bacchante class —the Hoguc, Aboukir, find Cressy he' said it was not true that he overruled. the naval authorities, and that tho disaster was duo to him. Ho had no objection to tho publication of the papers, but did not press for this if it would injure the o(Doors now serving. Ho was unablo to conceive any reason why the story of tho Falklands battle should not bo published. , The Antwerp Expedition. Referring to the Antwerp expedition, Mr. Churchill' proceeded: "Tlio project of sending an army to Antwerp originated with Lord Kitchener and the French Government." He was not consulted until large bodies of troops wero actually moving, when ho was summoned to a conference at Lord Kitchener's house, on October 2, where Sir Edward Grey and Lord Fisher were also present. He then learned of '•"he project to send a relieving army, and also that after their preparations to aid Antwerp were far advanced the Belgian Government had telegraphed its decision to evacuate the city mid abantlon its defence. All were extremely distressed to learn this. It seemed that everything was to be thrown away -for tlio sako of three or four days, and continued resistance. Ho accordingly offered—and lie did not regrot it a bit— to. proceed to Antwerp immediately and tell tho Bolgian Government what thev in England had done, and see in what way tho defence of the city could bo prolonged. / His colleagues accepted the offer, and be crossed tho Channel immediately. Having consulted the Belgian Government and the British Staff officers at Antwerp ho made a telegraphic propocal that tho Belgians should continue their resistance to tho utmost limit -and power, and tliat- the British and French Governments .should say definitely within three days whether they would bo able to send relief. Britain was also to encourage the defenders of Antwerp bv sendina nnval guns and a naval brigade. His proposal was acc.imUd. H'n wiw mid tlmt it rcliavi«t< arr,i,y would bo netit, nod told thai; avor.Y' rAjug ftoseibl-Q would be dona to mawtam .tho defence pjr fiityk

It would bo a great mistake to regard Lord Kitchener's effort to relieve Antwerp as only resulting-in misfortune. History would, determino the fact that it liad resulted greatly to the advantage of the Allies in tho West, causing a great battle on the Yser, instead of 0110 further south. True, the operations Jiad been taken too lata. This was not liis fault. On September 6 lie clireeteu i\h\ Asquith's, Lord Kitchener's, and Sir Edward Grey's attention lo tlie tact tliat a dangerous situation was developing at Antwerp, and that giayo might ensue. In the Admiralty's interests ho suggested Hint a territorial division should be sent- to stimulate tho defence, and made 0 I'ioposals, but no action was taken until the situation on October 2 supervened. He took the responsibility for sending the. Naval Brigade, despite its want of training. But the situation was desperate, and thev were the only men available. " The Dardanelles, and Lord Fisher. . Mr- Churchill then dealt with the circumstances connected with' the initia--111 n attack on the Dardanelles. He would not- have it said that the Dardanelles campaign was a civilian plan which had been foisted by a- political amateur upon reluctant officers. Ho regarded it as a legitimate thing in war to gamble for a. prize- of inestimable value, which there was a reasonable* chance of winning. On that basis he accepted full responsibility. Russia, in [November, asked the Foreign Office whether any action against Turkey was possible in order to relieve the pressure in the Caucasus. In consequence .of tills he began to direct the attention of Lord Fisher and other naval officers tin , possibility of action in Turkish waters, and sent a minute on November 30 to Lord Kitchener offering facilities for the transportation of fortv thousand troops. He was informed that no army was available. These early discussions showed that the prevailing opinion was that even if a- force had been available it could not be used in attaching the Gallipoli Peninsula. . -'^ s necessity for action in the Eastern Mediterranean was constantly being pressed upon the Admiralty. Mr. Churchill telegraphed, on January 3, to Admiral Carden (then commanding), and asked if lie considered that the forcing of the Dardanelles by ships alone would be a practicable operation Admiral Carden renlied that the Dardanelles could riot bo rushed, and suggested a sustained bombardment. Admiral Carden, in a detailed telegram, on January 11, stated his requirements, and the Admiralty War Staff examined the plan. Sir Henry Jackson expressed his full 'concurrence and advised that attacks should bo made on fho outer forts as early as possible. Lord Fisher Did Not Dissent, Lord Fisher never expressed any opinion against the operations at this stage. Lord Fisher's memorandum did not question the feasibility of the operation, but deprecated reducing our margin of strength in Home waters. The first stage of the operations was successful beyond all expectations, aad produced an electrical shock in t?he Balkans, but progress was slower in March. All the movements wore taken with Lord Fisher's written assent. He had not received that clear guidance or firm support from Lord Fisher which ho might have expected. If Lord Fisher disapproved of tho Dardanelles campaign, he Should have spoken out in tho War Council. When Admiral Carden was stricken with illness, Mr. Churchill sent a personal secret telegram to Admiral de, Eoebeck, asking whether he approved of the Admiralty's and Admiral Carden ]s decision to press an attack on March_l7, and also to say whether, in his independent "judgment, immediate operations would be wise and practicable; if not, not-to hesitate to say so; if so, to execute without delay. Admiral de Roebeck replied, fully concurring in the Admiralty plans, and added; "Will attack on March 18." Mr: Churchill declared : "If in tho weeks elapsing between the naval and military operations we had known what we now know, IcouldnU conceive that anyone would have hesitated to face loss and prestige by breaking off tie Dardanelles attack." He wished to make it clear that Tio encouraged the War Office to the utmost to prosecute the military enterprise, ami counselled the Government all through the year to take Constantinople, cither by naval or military operations, but- to take it quickly, while time remained. But the situation "had now entirely changed. An Unpleasant Experience, ■ When the joint naval and military operations wore decided on, Lord Fisher regretted the delay, and refused to order the resumption of a purely naval attack during the period between March 18 and April IS. It was one of tho least pleasant experiences of his (Mr. Churchill's) life. Ho did not regret I Lord I'ishor s return to the Admiralty, because the latter had produced a newdesign of ships, and swelled the tide of deliveries. When Lord Fisher resin-n----od, he himself offered to resign, but Mr. Asquith asked him to continue. Lord ! ♦ 1n1 ii' Gl 'v a i iChurchill, was responsible for the military operations i in baiJipoli, which should have been carried through with the utmost vigour and tuiy. Throughout the summer the airmy stood. within a few miles of-a great victory, and an advance like that of Neuvo Chapelle would have decided tho whole situation. Mr. Churchill concluded amid a hurricane of applause, and a number of members from both sides of the House went up and warmly shook hands with '" n !- There was nothing apologetic in the speech, and his references to Lord I'isher were spoken in firm tones of condemnation. The Outlook. In conclusion, he did not intend to be' drawn into further controversy whatever might be said in reply. Ho had left his documents with the At> torney-Genoral. We had no reason to be discouraged about the progress of the war. We were passing through a fateful time, but wo would probably be worse before we were better. It was oiot necessary to win the war by pushing the Germans back from the territory they now held. While the German line was extended far beyond their frontiers, and military success had apparently attended the German .arms. Germany might still bo defeated'more fatally in the second or third year of tho war than 'if the Allies had entered Berlin in the first year. Our shortage of munitions had governed the campaign of 1913; tho.cumpaign of 1916 ought to bo settled against Germany bv her short-age of men. Mr. Asquith's Comment: Things Left Unsaid. , Mr. Asquith said that Mr. Churchill had dealt with a delicate situation with loyalty and discretion. He had said some things which he (Mr. Asquith) would rather ha had not said, and had omitted some things which would besaid hereafter. Ho had always found Mr. Churchill a wise counsellor, a brilliant colleague, and a faithful friend. _i \ WHAT THE NEWSPAPERS SAY (Reo. November 16,.11.25 p.m.) _ „ ~ London, November 16. Tho "Morning Post" is relieved that Mr. Churchill has loft the' Admiralty, and hopes he will not be allowed to occupy a superior position in the Army The "Daily Telegraph'! and "Daily Clironiole" say that Mr. Churchill has refuted many allegations, but regret his attempt to shift the blame on Lord Fisher and Lord Kitchener. The "Daily Mail" says: "On Mr. Churchill's narrative, Lord Fisher must bear the blame for the naval attack on the Dardanelles. But Lord Fisher has yet to be heard. It is disconcerting to discover that the Government persisted in tho expedition after it had failed, and poured troops oil to this terrible Peninsula only to see them slaughtered against increasingly . formidable positions." ° Tho "Times" says: "Mr. Churchill's speech was an undoubted Parliamentary triumph, but the country should haave been told months ago everything that was said yesterday. There was no good military or political reason for keeping silence." The "Bombay Chronicle" hopes that Mr. Churchill's resignation will provide the opportunity for him to succeed Lord Hardinge as Viceroy, of India. GERMAN PRESS OPINION. rrn n ■ . . , Tr Amsterdam, November 16. . The German newspapers ask whether Mr. ChuTchill is to be the onlv vie tim. Some regard his retirement as only temporary.

THE WAR IN THE WEST

ALL-NIGHT FIGHTING IN THE LABYRINTH BIG MINE FIRED IN THE WOEUYRE Tha High' Commissioner reports: London, November 15, 4.25 p.m. In tho Artois region, at the Labyrinth, there have been fusilades and grenade . combats without intermission during tho night. It is confirmed that tho enemy's losses in this section oil November 14 wore very high. "In Champagne, Gorman attacks on tho barriers before the French listening posts have been repulsed. "In the Woovro, north of -Cirey, the explosion of one of our mines, accompanied by a heavy fire from our trench engines, destroyed the enemy's organisations and works."

London, November 16, 3.5 a.m. "Paris reports general artillery engagements on the Western front. Roye Station was bombarded." . FRENCH -COMMUNIQUE. (Rec. November 16, 11.15 p.m.) Paris, November 16. A French official communiquo states: "Tlio bombardment on tlw Western front is assuming a nioro sustained character at many points." "OUR MAIN TASK IS IN FRANCE." ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) (Rec. November 16, 5.5 p.m.) London, November 15. Colnnel Ropington, the "Times's" military correspondent, referring to the new Cabinet Committee, says: "ThoCcmmitteo should begin by reviewing our military and naval Home defence. Tho success of our arms depends on tho assured security of the British i Isles. Further, it will bo necessary to close promptly and effectively our wars on tlio German colonies, because these take troops who are required for more important undertakings, and also give the enemy time to develop his local resistance. "Our pi'ineipiil mi! it hit operation is .ft* defeat of tlia Germans in Belgium

and France. There is the centre of German gravity. Victory has been denied us in Franco because we have wasted our strength in secondary adventures. If Constantinople fell that would not decide rho war. The main decision lies in France, and all else must be subordinated to that issue."

ATTACK ON LORD KITCHENER

VIOLENT SPEECH IN HOUSE OF COMMONS By Telegraph—Press Association—Oosyrlirl' (Rcc. November 16, 10.15 p.m.) London, November 16. In the House of Commons, on the report stage of the £400,000,000 vote, Sir A. B. Markham hotly attacked Lord Kitchener, who, he said, had taken the censorship into his own hands, and thought lie could treat the people of this country like Dervishes. While Lord Kitchener romained, said tho speaker, no-good would come from tho War Office. He was a man who persistently _ bullied everyone who disagreed with him, and couldn|t bring tho war .to a successful conclusion. Lord Kitchener at every stage of his lifo had broken with every man who interfered with him.

SHOULD WE NEGOTIATE FOR PEACE?

I SUGGESTION CONDEMNED. By Telegraph—Press Association—OonyrlgM (Rec. November 16, 10.40 p.m.) i London, November 15. Speaking in tho House of Commons, Mr. C. P. Trevolyan said war of attrition meant utter and irretrievable run to ourselves and Germany There was nothing disgraceful or humiliating, lie urged, in ootaiuing our ends by negotiation. Mr. Bonar Law (Minister for the Colonies) condemned Mr. Trovelvan's speech. Not a member of the flouse believed that Germany would restore Alsace to France ,or Polish nationality, until Biie wis beaten* J