IN THE WEST.

Taranaki Daily News, 17 December 1915, Page 5

IN THE WEST.

CHANGES IN COMMAND. ■ Trfß. ASQUITHIS STATEMENT. ; "Received Dec. ifl, 5.5 pja. London, Dec. 15. In 4he House of Commons, replying to *, question as to whether General appointment as Generalissimo neceasit•ttfis:att important change in the higher British commands, Mr. Asquith said that Hpnje changes were being made winch' would be announced in due course, but these were not connected with General Joffle's new function.

SIR JOHN, FRENCH RETIRES,

QpTERIAL 3AIG TO COMMAND. - .< : • ' Received Dec. M, 5.5 p.m. : _ London, Bet. 15. ■Official: At Sir -John French's own in>mnce, General Sir Douglas Haig has succeeded i 4 the command in France and FUndert, WAR OFFICE ANNOUNCE- . v MENT.

, HGNORBD BY AND COUNTRY. Received -Dec. 16, 8.60 p.a>. London, Dec. 16. .The war Of ice announces that after Sixteen months of inoMsaat stftyn Sir J. French, who has most nobly commanded the armies, has relinquished the command %t his oton instance. The Government, full of appreciation and gratitude lor his conspicuous services, requested- Sir Jdhn French to accept the appointment* pf Field Marshal commanding"the troops in the United Kingdom. Sir John French has accepted this, and the King has conferred upon him the rank of Viscotat. Sir John French had a long iater?»iew with Mr. Asquith to-night. FRENCH WAR EXPENDITURE. . _ '' . Paris, Dec. 16. A Budget report estimates that the expenditure for the first seventeen months of the r war was 31,000 million military expenses were 24,000' mllllbn' franca. The average »onthl| expenses latterly have been 1844 million francs.

AIR RAID OX GERMAN LINES. Paris, Dec. 15. A communique states:—Forty-five aeroplanes raided Tuoheim, Hauriaucourt, ahd Hatnpok with successful results upon the enemy's lines and works.