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Hokitika Guardian, 2 October 1918, Page 2

Bcr.n.vim, adopting the altitude of sauve qui pent, lias done wisely to gel out of the war. There is going lo be a general and speedy collapse, and Bulgaria's withdrawal from the conflict is serious enough to the enemy to bring down the whole fabric of its organisation. Bulgaria was an essential link in the chain binding the Central Bowers to their eastern Allies. The lint severed and the parts fly atwain, and the combination is lost. The unconditional surrender of Bulgaria means that Bulgaria must do now as the Allies direct. One of the first conditions will ho the right to pass through Bulgaria with military forces to hotli attack Turkey on a new flank, and to assist Boumania from a new quarter. The Balkan armie g organised by tlie Allies will be f roe for both these tasks, neither of which is likely to be one' of special difficulty. With the defeats suffered already in Mesopotamia and Palestine, Turkey will not be disposed to face an implacable foe ho near at home. A few weeks ago it was rumoured Turkey was desirous of getting out. of tho war stress of circumstances will dictate 'that action now. The relief of Roumania is of paramount importance. The Allies have not recognised tho treaty of Bucharest under which Roumania had to surrender when deserted by Russia. President Wilson made it plain that when the time favoured reparation would be made to Roumania. That opportunity is now at hand and will be n waited without delay. Tho rolief of the situation in tho Balkans is but- one phase of what the surrender of Bulgaria means. The effect will be felt on the Central Powers, which feeling will be in tensified by tho disastrous losses being experienced on the West front whore

Gciic-jwi Fcch is smashing his way to final victory.

With llie changing scene in the Balkans, a. fiew phase of the war will take shape in Turkish territory in Asia, if Turkey does not sue quickly for peace. The halt in Mesopotamia, useful as it has been in the way of peaceful penetration and restoring the country to the security of sound Government and safo administration, might spring into activity at any moment. As we write news comes that a settlement of the war so far as Turkey is concerned, is imminent. This is a state of affairs which might well be understood to be the most probable course for Turkey to take. The smashing of the Turkish forces in Palestine has been' B <> complete that already Allenby’s wonderful cavalry are pushing on to the ancient city ol Damascus. Turkey is being beaten in Palestine, as she was beaten in Mesopotamia, and with the inevitable attack in -European Turkey now that Bulgaria has surrendered, Turkey’s plight, is such that- surrender for her is the only way out of an impossible conditions so far as continuing the war. If Turkey, withdraws, as appears to he -the only likely course, the Palestine and Mesopotamian forces will he available to move into southern Russia and western Siberia to assTsf in restoring the distressed country to order and organisation. Turkey non-combatant, and access will be afforded to the Black Sea which will he of the greatest use commercially. The whole position in the eastern theatre savours of complete victory for the Allies, and justifies in the only way possible the wisdom in carrying on the eastern campaigns, 'lhe way to >victory lias been long, but only by actual conquest such ns is taking place, would the victory bo worth the price paid.