GENERAL WAR NEWS.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVIV, Issue 59, 15 February 1916, Page 6

GENERAL WAR NEWS.

BELGIUM'S FIGHT TO THE DEATH Omtkd Press Association. London, February' 13. M. Renkih, the Belgian' Colonial Minister, was entertained at luncheon in London, Mr Bonar Law presiding. Mr Renkin declared that Belgium had not listened to the timorous voices that wore echoing the German promptings urging the surrender of. the Congo territory because Belgium was unable to develop it. The proposal to hand over the Congo to a chartered company was intolerable. Belgium did not wish to diminish her opportunities in the world, but fondly hoped for expansion. Belgium will never abandon the least portion of her rights, and will never surrender an inch of her territory, and she intends to be faithful to her sacrificed heroes. MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS. London, February 13. The Pall Mall Gazette’s correspondent at Alexandria says that Egypt is still kept very much in the dark ns to events on the ‘ frontier. Fantastic rumors are current in the bazaars, but there is no doubt that the military authorities are not running any risks as far as the defence of the Canal is concerned. The Commander-in-Chief has declared the Canal zone a restricted area for travellers, who require a special railway permit. The new system has caused excitement, but indicates that preparations lor the defence of the Canal are being properly carried out. There are constant rumors of skirmishes, but these arc not verified. The prevalent idea is that the Aral) uprising in the west has utterly failed, hut it is state dthat it will shortly he repeated against Egypt. Articles in the German press radicate increasing economic pressure. The Government is prohibiting the importation of gastronomic luxuries and announcing a shortness of tea, codec, and cocoa, and advising that tea be made of strawberry leaves and apple peel. Women are advised to forego lull feathers, expensive furs, lace, imported jewels, and Swiss watches. They are rebuked for the feminine devot iin t o Paris fashion pajici a. Men arc ordered to smoke less and boys