Africa.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 61, 12 July 1915, Page 5

Africa.

NEWS OF THE VICTORY.

US'] CONDITIONAL SURRENDER

BOTHA'S UK EAT GKM KRAUS HIP

United Bn ess Association. Capetown, July JU

General Botha’s ultimatum expired at tea-time on Thursday. The Germans surrendered unconditionally, General Botha accepting the Governor’s surrender at two o’clock in the

Genera I Botha reports that 20-1 officers and 3160 men surrendered, with 37 held guns and 22 maxims. All South African t?own s are beflagged. 'l ire news resulted in intense popular enthusiasm, the populace givin<y vent to its pent-up feelings, after the wild rumours of the past lew da vs.

General Botha and Mr Smuts have keen inundated with congratulations. Stress is laid on the unparalleled character of the forced marches hy the mounted brigade; through the most difficult country, during the past fortnight, in order to complete the encircling. When they realised that escape was impossible, the Germans sought to make terms, but Botha brushed conditions aside, and said that his troops would attack at five o’clock. Tire Germans were nonplussed and bewildered at the rapidity of Botha’s movements, and finally accepted his ultimatum.

The whole German force will be transferred to the Ufiion, and imprisoned until the war is over, the officers being released on parole in certain prescribed areas. General Botha is expected at Capetown in a fortnight. An immense reception is being prepared for him. There are patriotic demonstrations in the principal centres, and jubiliation continues. National anthems were sung, and General Botha’s name was ovatioued.

The press pays tribute to Botha’s great generalship in a hazardous undertaking.

It transpires that when the German commander made overtures to surrender he was unaware that General Brits had already encircled the Entire German position. b ranckq hoped that the Germans could retain their arras and remain in the colony, but while negotiations were proceeding General Botha learned ol the successful termination of the encircling movement, and informed Francke. The latter then surrendered. The outstanding feature of the operations has been the extraordinary rapidity of ■ Botha’s advance,. Ihe troops repeatedly inarched 30 and 40 miles a day for weeks in succession, living on the smallest rations, and capturing game. The British culminating march of 200 miles was accomplished in six days.

London, July ,10. (

The Press Bureau anounces that Mr Bonar Law cordially congratulated General Botha and the Government on the success achieved by the leader’s brilliant generalship and the troops’ bravery and endurance. The terms of surrender provide for transfer of all property to the Protectorate Government equally with all war material. Sir G. H. Reid, interviewed, said that General Botha’s campaign was far more formidable than was generally known. Since Agadir, Germany had assembled vast munitions and stores at Windhoek, hoping that she could arm the Boers. His magnificent victory will add to the love and admiration all people ol the Empire feel for Botha.

The Press Bureau cables that the South-west African campaign has been brought to a successful conclusion. Practically the whole of the citizen forces will he brought back as soon as transport facilities permit. Pretoria, July 10.

' Official: All prisoners in Southwest Africa have been released. They are in good health, and there were no deaths among the troops during captivity. There is great rejoicing throughout the Union.