PROGRESS OF THE ALLIES.

King Country Chronicle, Volume IX, Issue 735, 9 January 1915, Page 3

PROGRESS OF THE ALLIES.

SPEECH BY LORD KITCHENER

London, Wednesday,

"Lord Kitchener, in a speech in the House of Lords reviewing the. ebb and flow of the battle tide during the past Weeks, says that the French army, despite unfavourable weather, has made noteworthy progress eastward of Rbeims and in Southern Alsace.

Notwithstanding the transfer, of troops to J/oland, the Germans left sufficient strength to hold the trenches in the west.

Their aspirations in Poland suffered a severe check, and they evidently realised the Infinite difficulty of winter operations in-Russia. After congratulating Servia upon her extraordinary victories, ami Russia upon her notable achievements in the Caucasus, Lord Kitchener remarked that - the much-talkcd-of Turkish advance upon Egypt had failed at present to materialise. General Botha's handling .„of the situation in South Africa whs masterly, auguring well for tho success of future operations. > He paid a tribute to the perfect courage and coolness of the people in Hartlepool, Scarborough, and Whitby in the face of a wanton atatok devoid of any military advantage.

Lord Kitchener added that the Allies were daily increasing their resources in men and material, enabling them to prosecute the waV triumphantly.

A householders' canvass during Christmas week showed 21,800 willing to serve as recruits, indicating a rise instead of the anticipated decrease.

The War Office had completed the officer 3' cadres for the Expeditionary Force, and, moreover, a considerable surplus of officers in training remained to draw upon. A total of 29,100 officers had been appointed since the war began. Gen. French's forces had been increased by territoial units and a new division, including a fine Canadian regiment.