The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1915. THE NEAR EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 13 December 1915, Page 4

The Daily News. MONDAY, DECEMBER 13, 1915. THE NEAR EAST.

The enforced retreat of the AngloFrench lorces in Serbia and the perverse attitude of King Constantiue have been the means of impressing on the Allies the necessity for unity of action on a scale of sufficient magnitude to accomplish their aim. It is, therefore, satisfactory to find that the joint War Council, or Conference, held at Paris has arrived at a unanimous decision not only to retain Salonika as the base of operations in the Balkans, but to maintain an energetic attitude in relation to Greece and insist on an immediate settlement of the Allies' terms. We are told that Greek troops have been removed from Salonika in order not to impedei the Allied measures to place the town in a state of defence, and that the Greek Premier has already accepted the main demands of the Allies, but that it is probable a joint Note will be sent to Athens intimating what must bo done. The main feature is the determination of the Allies to send sufficient reinforcements to resume the offensive under favorable conditions, it being estimated by one authority that at least 250,000 troops are required. How heavily the AngloFrench forces were handicapped may be gathered from the fact that in the recent engagement against the enemy they only numbered 150,000, as against 250,000 Bulgarians and 150,000 Germans. It Is little wonder that the fighting was desperate and that the losses were heavy, but the retreat was orderly, the French rearguard being particularly courageous and saving the situation. At the same time their forces were totally inadequate to cope with the enemy, and it is a relief to know thlH this fact is not only recognised by the higher military authorities, but will be remedied, presumably at the earliest possible moment. Meanwhile comes the encouraging news ihat for three days the Italians have been landing troops at Valona (or Avlona) continuously. The port ' chosen is most convenient for the purposes, it being in a line with Salonika with which it may be said to form the | base of a triangle, of which Monastir is the apex. How important it is for the Allies to have a large force available is apparefit from the news that there is in progress a heavy concentration of Germans at Uskub, Philippolis and Salonika. There can be no question that Germany will do her utmost to defeat the Allies in the Balkans, so that the timely help of Italy is of immense value, and should evoke prompt measures by Britain and France for dealing witli the critical situation effectively, while Russia may be expected to do useful service. in Bulgaria. The statement issued by M. Venizelos throws additional light on the pro-German tactics of King Constantino and clearly demonstrates that the Greek King is doing his best to further the German programme. By his action over the elections, by over-riding the will of the people, and by disregarding the treaty with Serbia, King Constantine has virtually abrogated the Greek Constitution and made himself a, Dictator. M. Venizelos points out what a unique opportunity Greece had, at a small risk, of becoming a great nation—liberating the Greeks in Turkey and building up a Greater Greece, including parts of Asia Minor, Thrace, and Cyprus. It was fear that prevented the realisation of this grand opportunity, but it was worse than cowardice for the King to throw over the Serbians on a flimsy pretext which M. Venizelos completely exposes. No sovereign has ever more fully betrayed his trust than King Constantine, and it as well that his iniquity should be made known. He. had his one great chance, and for lack of courage failed to turn it to advantage. The nation would be well rid of such a sorry figure-head. The news that Germany 'l3 sending submarines to Gallipoli, via Bulgaria, is not surprising. The Turks have made a rod for their own backs much the same as did the frogs in the fable when they discarded King Log for King Stork. Practically the Germans are taking possession of Constantinople. General Mackensen is reported to have arrived there with two Bavarian infantry regiments, and several batteries, also with a force of German police, the latter being ostensibly for the purpose of suppressing anti-German demonstrations, but in all probability intended to enforce Teutonic civil administration. We are so used to German meteoric transference of troops from one region to another that very little significance attache* thereto. It will not be long before the full weight of the Allies' forces is available,. and then we may confidently antiet- > that tho end of the war will be ap-

preciably nearer. That is why every available uuit is urgently required in the Allied ranks, and also why no eligible man should hold ba-:k. The socncr this is realised and acted upon, the nearer will be the end of the war.