The Dardanelles

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 244, 24 March 1915, Page 5

The Dardanelles

BRILLIANT FRENCH WORK,

NEWSPAPER VIEWS, , London, March i2. The French Press unanimously record* tile unshaken determination to Ciii-"v through the Dardanelles operations, thougU they do not expect to aucivrd without losses. France and liriti'-i nave plighted their word that .both v.-iil sail to Constantinople. The arrival 01 the greater part of the French expeditionary force will make the task easier. Official reports are reticent regard '>■_> the numbers, disposition and achievements of the landing parties. _ The French Admiralty report emphasised the important arid brilliant nart played by the French division. The French -were given the honor of attacking tlie forts at close range. RearAdmiral Quepratte telegraphs that the honor of the flag was fully upheld, though dearly purchased by the loss of the Bouvet.

The Daily Chronicle, referring to the naval losses in the Dardanelles, savs that they in no respect affect the ultimate success of the operations. We can well bear them happily now that the operations arc well in hand. The Daily News' naval expert savp that these vessels could not have been sent to the Mediterranean if we could not well spare them from the North Sea. The ill-fated vessels were among the oldest we have there, and the fact that at least one is of the very newest of our ships there shows that the naval position at ihome is not giving Lord Fisher any cause for anxiety. It is necessary to remember above all that in the past it was regarded as .impossible for ships to attaciV modern forts successfully. It is obvious in any case tint the Anglo-French have now to get through th» Dardanelles at all cost 3.