THE SARDANELLES DEBATE.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 March 1917, Page 1

THE SARDANELLES DEBATE.

in Explanation

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Aeeoc'a ion

and Heater).

LONDON, March 21. In the Commons Mr. Churchill explained the Admiralty’s standpoint with regard to the decision to attack the Dardanelles. He declared he was not endeavouring to relieve himself of any responsibility or to transfer it to the War Council. After arguing with Admiral Fisher, as the First Sea Lord, he did not exercise his rights to utilise the Fleet at the Dardanelles. Mr. Churchill proceeded with a strong defence of the operations and quoted facts' refuting the Commission’s reference to heavy loss of blood and treasure; on the contrary the advantages of the attack made themselves invaluably felt in many spheres of our operations including tlio active adhesion of Italy to the Allies. He referred lengthily and regretfully to the abandonment of the operations, when apparently on the eve of success, and he pointed out that this was due to the discouragement suffered from many in the most influential quarters which had a - hampering effect. Mr. Asquith said the Dardanelles expedition was primarily naval, because Lord Kitchener, prior to the War Council had stated that troops were not available, and the War Council spent three whole days examining our available resources of men. They even summoned Lord Frenchfrom France to hear his views, and. the War Council also ascertained the opinions' of other British and French experts, and the whole of naval opinion favoured the enterprise. Admiral Fisher’s adverse view was not founded on technical or naval objections, but on bis avowed preference for a. different objective in a totally different sphere. Dealing with the alleged delay in sending troops including the 29th Division, Mr. Asquith emphasised the immense difficulties in that connection. The Russian position was then had and there was urgent pressure by General Joffrc upon Lord French to keep the 28tli Division. Lord Kitchener might he right or wrong, but he had weighty reasons, and more over what had been said by the Civilian members of the War Council had been over-ruled by Lord Kitchener. "While the operations were proceeding he almost hourly had consultations’ with Lord Kitchener, Sir Edward Grey, and Mr. Churchill; therefore he took ; strong exception to the statement in , the report that the War Council had not met during the critical period. Speaking of the operations' generally lie' maintained that they saved the position in the Caucasus, and prevented for months the deflection of the Bulgarians, and kept three hundred thousand Turks immobilised, and destroyed the corps d’elite of the Turkish Army, and contributed to the recent favour able events in Egypt, Mesopotamia and Persia. Ti;e Lost Zepp. LONDON, March 20 Tlio German Admiratly announces that the Zeppelin deetroyed by the 1 French was returning from Die air raid 1 on Britain. In ilie commons , LONDON, March 21. j Iw the Commons Mr. Asquith expressed his opinion that the machinery ; of war during the first four months wus , clumsy- and inefficient .but this was a mere abitcr dictum and not evidence to ( entitle them to come to such conclus- _ ions because the first four months pres- - eiited problems as numerous and complicated as ever had fallen to the lot or statesmen and he was quite content to leave the manner in which they were con fronted and handled to the judgment j of history. When the War Council reached a conclusion it was- formulated in writing read aloud and for greater certainty and security it wa s immediately circulated to all the departments concerned. The position of experth was precisely as it has always been in the committee ; of Imperial defence and they there nad < gij-en lay members for the benefit of their advice, 1 1 Relief Vessels. LONDON, March 20 ‘ Two of the five Belgian relief vessels with safe conducts were shelled by German submarines. ] I Unchanged. ] WASHINGTON. March 20 *■ The American Cabinet regards; the German situation as unchanged. No additional orders have been issued for further war preparations and the members of the Cabinet are pledg- j ed to utter secrecy. Admiral Killed. q PETROGRAD March 20. £ Admiral Njeupon was killed at Melsingford by his own marines during ■the revolutionary troubles. _ - . p Returned Soldiers. . n AUCKLAND, March 21 si Several New Zealand officers return- a: ing from the war were passengers by m ocean steamer, which arrived today. Those for southern ports wero C aptains A. G. Millard and W. C. Hariov; w Incuts. K. "Williams, 11. S. Montgom- p( ;ry, E. Wastnoy and E. E. Sommervil’le. , Several Australian officers were il&o aboard, 1