IN AFRICA.

Hokitika Guardian, 14 March 1917, Page 1

IN AFRICA.

Smuts’ Eulogy. (Australian & N,Z. Cable Association and Reuter), LONDON, March 13. General 'Smuts, interviewed, sam the only thing delaying the absolute end of the Gormans in the East African campaign is the prevalence of the rainy season 'till May, when the Germans will lie compelled lo surrender or enter I’ortgiiese territory, where the Portuguese are quite prepared ,to handle them. The enemy only consisted of a remnant of any army, and practically all the South African white troops have departed, the Native battalions, who were raised owing to the unfavourable climate, remaining. General Smuts spoke in high terms of the magnificent infantry work, and said they would shortly bo available for service elsewhere. Nothing had given him greater pleasure than the ITon. Mr Long's s;a'tement that no German colony would be returned to 'Germany, as the mere suggestion was preposterous, and lie would shudder to think what would happen to the Natives if any part were returned. The Natives had supported magnificently, and their prestige in the East would suffer. In the commons LONDON, March 12. Mr J. P. Farrel’s amendment to exclude Ireland from the National Service Bill was defeated by 158 to 60. 3ilr R. llagleton moved that there he a separate Director-General for Ireland. The PA. lion Mr Duke said that Mr Neville Chamberlain bad agreed to delegate this work to a representative who would be entitled to the technical status of Director of National Service in Ireland.

War Council(Australian & N.Z Cable Association and Renter.) LONDON, March 12. Owing to some doubts as to the personnel of the forthcoming War Council enquiries go ito show that the meetings, are likely 'to be confined .to Prime Ministers, with the exception of the New Zealand delegates, who attend the Cabinets as representing distinct parties of the Dominion. All Overseas representatives, including Indians, will attend an Imperial Conference distinct from the old Imperial Conference. German Submarines. LONDON, March 13. 'Plie “Daily Chronicle’s Amsterdam latent telegram states that the enemy has rtwo large subrnarnjjcs of the Deutschland typo now acting as supply ships for the smaller craft operating in the -Atlantic, and four other large submarines have been commissionled for similar services Special efforts are being made to sink skipping between America and Britain, and Germany is attempting to perfect a decisive submarine campaign in oase of war with America.