THE SURRENDER AT KUT-EL-AMARA

Dominion, Volume 9, Issue 2762, 4 May 1916, Page 5

THE SURRENDER AT KUT-EL-AMARA

I HOW THE NEWS WAS RECEIVED I . DEEP REGRET TINGED WITH PRIDE \ By TelegrapH—Press Association—Copyright ' ("Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services.) , London, May 2. The news of 'the surrender of Kut-el-Amara was received with deepest regret, but the absence of news of tho garrison during the past week partly prepared tlie public. The condition of tiio garrison had been critical for weeks past, the troops Jffi'ing on horseflesh and the slenderest rations, and enduring the severest privations. The grounding of the relief ship, afer running the gauntlet of t'ho Turkish guns, sealed its fate. Tlio fall of Kut-el-Amara does not change the military situation in Mesopotamia. Ail early advance, by General Gorringe is exjpected ae soon as the weather 'permits. The "Times," m a leader, says, "General TownshcnJ is not only a bravo and skilful commander, but is the soul of cheerfulness. To the last bis messages wcro full of hope and courage, and kept up the spirits of tho garrison. Ho presented a manful front to the foe, and held on whilo tho last scrap of food remained. Despite mistakes, the failure to raise the siege was mainly due (l)most to insuperable physical _ difficulties. The fall is of very limited military importance. The enemy will doubtless exploit it to the utmost, but his efforts are already discounted, as the probable fate of the garrison was understood for weeks. Ai triumphant Turkish march to tho sea might disturb India, but clearly tho Turks in Mesopotamia are pinned to the position, and cannot move down tie river."

- .ROYAL SYMPATHY. ' , (Rec. Slay 3, 9.40 p.m.) London, May 2. The King has telegraphed to the Tigris corps his sympathy for their inability to relieve General Townshend. _ "Despite your great gallantry and determination under most tirying conditions, you have been defeated by floods and bad weather, not the .enemy, whom ■ you pressed back. I have watched your efforts with admiration.. You Lave done all that was humanly possible." SYMPATHY FROM AUSTRALIA. (Rec. May 3, 10.15 p.m.) Melbourne, May 3. The Governor-General (Sir R. C. Munro-Fergtison) has cabled to tha Viceroy of India (Lord Chelmsford) his deepest sympathy with.the loss of the gallant force at Kut-el-Amara. The message adds: "Hhis will only strengthen Australia's determination to do her part in. hastening the overthrow of our enemies." London, May 3. The newspapers give prominence to 'Australia's message of sympathy. EXCHANGE OF SICK AND WOUNDED. ~ CRec. May 3, 9.40 p.m.), London, May 2. Reports from Mesopotamia state that Khali Pasha, the Turkish Comman-der-in-Chief, has written agreeing to an exchange of General Townshend's sick and wounded for an equivalent number of Mahometan Turkish prisoners. Hospital ships and other vessels ..will be sent to begin 'the evacuation of the exchanges.