The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1915. THE WAR THEATRE.

Taranaki Daily News, 20 October 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 20, 1915. THE WAR THEATRE.

Now that the war has entered upon a new phase it is worth while examining the situation as it at present appears. The task is neither easy nor altogether pleasant, and we may be thankful that, although there are certain disconcerting details, and the situation one that may be considered as grave, there i 3 no cause for alarm or any reason for abating that confidence in the issue which all true friends of the Allies should feel. It may be as well to state that actually there is only one locality in the war zone that is causing uneasiness—the Dardanelles—and it is probable this feeling has been created partly- by the keeping back of news, and partly by the new developments in the Balkans in consequence of Germany's latest move with the object of breaking through to help the Turks. It is quite possible that costly blunders have been made at Galllpoli, and the recent disclosures made by Mr. Ashmead Bartlctt have naturally caused a considerable stir, almost amounting to consternation. When he says that "the time has come seriously to consider our position, without selfdeception, as we cau no longer exhaust our resources in enterprises of secondary importance," it is quite clear that lie wishes it to be understood that, in his opinion, the Dardanelles campaign should be abandoned. It is a bold suggestion that most New Zealanders will regard as rash. It is equally evident that he has been out of sympathy with forcing the Dardanelles from the first movement of the campaign, and this fact must be taken into account when considering his severe criticisms. From our point of view, it would be a grave disaster to British prestige to abandon the work in hand at Gallipoli. The blood of thousands of New Zealanders and Australians is crying out for the completion of the task to the furtherance of which they fought with unexampled heroism and cheerfully laid down their lives. It is absolutely unthinkable that the military authorities will for one moment consider any clamor that may be raised for withdrawing from this task, great and difficult as it is, and it is reassuring to find from to-day's cables that a far different move has been decided upon by relieving Sir lan Hamilton of the command and entrusting it to General

Charles Monro, a distinguished officer who has seen extensivo service and lias had a most successful career. This must be taken as evidence of the intention to enter upon a more vigorous campaign, and though it is with much regret that Sir lan Hamilton's recall will be received, tho step has been taken in. the best interests of our forces, and we can only hope that it will be fully justnied. Turning to the Balkans, it is clear that the heroic Serbians have followed the magnificent example of the equally brave Belgians, and held up the Teutonic hosts, much to von Maekensen's chagrin. There are two factors on which the issue in this region depends—the timely help of the Allies, and the co-operation of tuc Russians. Tho AngloFrer.A foraa have already gortj into action, and Serbia i» meeting attacks practically si! round her frontiers, while the Bulgarians seem to have moved but little, and, unless they are reinforced, the Serbians will most likely hold the passage to the Danube. It will not be wise to count on the action of either Greece or Roumania, though their help would be very welcome. The descent of the Russians on to the Black Sea coast is anxiously awaited. They are full of confidence, engendered by their recent successes, and their appearance on the scone would make a vast difference to Serbia's cause, which is also that of the Allies, and it would probably convince Greece and Roumania thut their time for action had arrived. The Balkans campaign and that of the Dardanelles are inextricably interwoven, and both are of the greatest importance to Russia, so that it may be expected she will strain every resource to frustrate Germany's latest intrigues. Greece should receive peremptory treatment so as to compel her to show which side she is on, and it will not be surprising if she is brought to book. On the whole, the outlook, though somewhat precarious at the moment, has the prospect of clearing and becoming promising of satisfactory results. In the West, the persistent work of tho French has secured appreciable results, the capture of Tahure being qf considerable importance. In ; Artois tho attacks of the Allies have been pushed home, and there is every indication of a determined forward move being speedily made. Italy is still making headway against the Austrians, and holding her own. The near approach of winter will render military operations on a large scale out of the question". It will be seen by to-day's cables that General Eric Svvayne. (Governor of Honduras), who is a highly experienced Imperial officer, considers that Britain will require, before the spring, another three million men to be on equal terms with Germany and ensure success. This ca'll for men is one of urgency, and a response thereto is the only way in which tho units of the Empire can give much-needed help. The crucial point of the campaign is at hand, and now is the time above all others when every available man should rally round the Flag and thereby assiat in onco and for all stamping out the ( power of the Teutons to perpetrate their evil designs on the nations. Again we urge a prompt and generous response to the call.