EAST AFRICAN OPERATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 13 March 1918, Page 5

EAST AFRICAN OPERATIONS

NOT NEARLY OVER. Six weeks ago and more, says a Beira (S.A.) paper of January last, speaking of Von Lettow's movements, we ventured the belief that the German force would not be rounded up well 'before March next, but if a distinguished officer's opinion is worth anything another Christmas may pass by ere the elusive Von Lettow and his men are laid by the heels. For on Christinas Day this officer, in addressing n, number of officers at Limbi, said to these gentlemen, most pf whom were under tho lirm impression thai they would be relieved in a weekor so, that they were greatly mistaken if they thought tho lighting was about over, as in his (the officer's) view it was quite possible it would be nearer the Christmas of 1918 before the last of the Germans and their Aakaris would bo accounted for. Tho officer did not say on' what grounds he inculcated this belief, but as Von Leltow has let it be clearly known that he will never surrender,- and still has three or four hundred Europeans and some two tl '• sand auxiliaries under his very aciA® command, and is reckoned to be again well supplied with food aud ammunition, it may bo guessed that the officers who left tho Limbi parade have now something t 0 think about. It, may be regarded as certain that the Imperialauthorities have reason for sharing the foregoing view as to the position of affairs, and that is why, although "German" East is de facto entirely in our hands, they lia.ve not so far taken any steps to institute a complete staff for tho administration of the territory pending' the decision of the coming Peaco Conference Thcv aTe .probably right in assuming that Von Lettow, the German Governor, and the enemy forces may succeed at any moment in breaking back across the Uovinna. At all -events Von Lettow, so long as he prefers to range through Portuguese Nyasaland,. where Ihe bush offers splendid opportunities for elusive action, is goinr* to give the. troops sonicthing to do before he ie rounded tip.