In Mesopotamia.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 March 1917, Page 1

In Mesopotamia.

Gererai Maude’s Proclamation. LONDON, March 18. Th© Press Bureau says General Maude has issued this proclamation to Baghdad: “The British have come, not as conquerors, but as liberators to relieve you of the tyranny and bondage ox, (tho Tuko-Germalns, who have despoiled you, and have made Baghdad for twenty-years the centre for assailing British power in Persia and Arabia. , “The Entente hopes that the Arab race will again rise to greatness. “In the name of the Crown, I invite your representatives to participate in the civil management in collaboration with British political xepaccompanying the army.” The Turkish Retreat LONDON, March 17. . The wing of General Maude’s Army is to reach Khanikin, ahead of the Turkish forces flying before tlie Russian advance from Kerman >'hah. If the Turkish retreat is cut off limy may surrender, or he driven into the desert. Destroyers’ Raid. WELLINGTON, March In. The High Commssoncr reports from London on March 18th at 1.40 p.m.: Official report—Destroyers approached the Kentish coast early this nnsrn. ing and fired a number of shells on Coast towns. There were no casualties, and the materal damage was silght. Sunk. LONDON, -March 18. The American steamer Vigilanta of XIS ,t&na was sunk without warning.

Tli 3 Zepp Raid. . PARIS, March IS. Three Zcpelins participated in the raid. They crossed (the lines under cover of darkness, but our aeroplanes drove Thom off. Our Jiti-airere.it guns picked them up over Compeign •, where they dropped bombs, but did insignificant damage. PEKIN, March 1!). The Chinese armed police have occupied the German concession at Tioilstin, with the permission of the Consular authorities.