WHERE WILL GERMANS STRIKE ?

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2672, 19 January 1916, Page 5

WHERE WILL GERMANS STRIKE ?

. ENEMY BLUFFING FOR A 'i SURPRISE MONTENEGRO'S' FATE \ REPORTED PEACE NEGOTIATIONS WEATHER - HAMPERS THE KIIT RELIEF FORGE COMPULSION BILL AND IRELAND EXCLUSION AS POLICY OF . EXPEDIENCY '

The enemy has not yet delivered his expected blow. on Salonika, and from the reports which have emanated from the capitals of tho enemy's countries it is suspected that he is bluffing in tho of springing a surprise from an unexpected quarter. Fierce and bitter storms in the Balkans are delaying Bulgarian concentration; both sides are steadily massing troops. The sTory of the landing at Corfu discloses a fine achievement in tho organisation and execution of a cleverly-designed manoeuvre. Lengthy reports are to hand of the ; operations "in Mesopotamia, where bad weather is hampering the worlc of Aylmer's relief force. There aro> no fresh developments on the Russian front, while the Allies on tho Western line are chiefly occupied with the business of harassing the enemy with their long-range artillery, whicli has been doing desiVuctive work. The nibbling process is,meanwhile eating into the tnemy's strength and keeping him in a condition of continual suspense. Various reports, from enemy sources, assert that Montenegro has capitulated to the Austrians, as a preliminary to negotiating for peace. The Compulsion Bill is now passing through its Committee stsge, and 1 the Irish question—whether Ireland shall )» excluded or not—has been dealt with. Expedi- ' ency has suggested to the Government that a policy of exclusion will best further recruiting all round. In short, tho situation resolves itself into a question of obtaining tho' largest' number of men in the shortest .possible time, and with the least degree of friction.