Attack on Egypt

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 203, 4 February 1915, Page 5

Attack on Egypt

GERMAN CULTUR IN THE EAST. CRUELTY TO TURKISH SOLDIERS. Sydney, February .'!. Mr Bean cables that the second Australian contingent has readied Egypt in excellent condition, both men and horses. He reports all quiet on the Suez Canal. Turkish deserters are coming in. One stated that his portion of the force marched from Jerusalem along the coastal route to El Arisli and thence by the desert road to Nahkl. The officers were well fed, but the men miserably fed. Another with his hand cut off explained that a German officer had ordered him to cut off a telephone. Unprotested that the wire was too high, and the officer drew his sword and hewed off his hand. The prisoners' condition was absolutely ragged. ABANDONMENT OF CAMPAIGN. URGED BY GERMAN STAFF. Received 4, 12.15 a.m. Copenhagen, February 3. The German staff in Palestine has advised the abandonment of the campaign against Egypt, because a serious advance is impossible. The German Commissioner of ITurkish Affairs is unlikely to adopt the advice forthwith, because the prospective invasion is hailed with joy, but the Germans will probably accept it when a plausible excuse is found. A NONDESCRIPT ARMY. BADLY ORGANISED AND EQUIPPED. Received 3, 9.15 p.m. London, February 3. The Daily Chronicle's Cairo correspondent reports that the Turkish advance guard of 6000 has reached Nakhl. They are badly equipped, and unable to attack the Canal The main army has not commenced the advance, the majority of the force being still scattered, and badly organised and equipped There are many desertions, and camels and horses are starving.

SUEZ CANAL OPEN

DUE PRECAUTIONS USED. Received 4, 12.40 a.m. London, February 3. The Press Bureau contradicts the Continental reports that the Suez Canal is closed, and states that the Canal is open for traffic as usual, subject to precautions to ensure tie safety of vessels in transit.