GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1919, Page 5

GALLIPOLI CAMPAIGN.

CAMPAIGN ADVERSELY CRITICISED KITCHENER RELIED ON NAVY. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received Aug. 21, 5.55 p.m. London, Aug. 20. The Gallipoli Commission generally finds the campaign produced no results v.-orth the losses, and doubts whether the authorities were sufficiently impressed with the magnitude and seriousness of the enterprise., which was hampered by lack of munitions, artillery, and reinforcements. Lord Kitchener was, apparently, averse to evacuation to the last, in (vhich General Birdwood supported him, fearing - the effect on India and Egypt. Lord Kitchener to the last hoped that the navy would attempt the I Straits. Some naval men believed in the possibility of this, but the Admiralty finally discountenanced it. Lord Kitchener relied on the navy, and always regarded the military operations as of minor importance, notwithstanding the experts' warning of the strength of the Turkish defences.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Association.

Received Aug. 21, 11.10 p.m. London, Aug. 20. The Gallipoli Commission is convinced that the War Office had not prepared propar plans. Only after arriving at Gallipoli was General Sir lan Hamilton impressed by the seriousness of the task, while the naval men felt that they could not force the straits without strong military help. After the political crisis some of the new members of Cabinet had to be convinced that the enterprise was justifiable. The Suvla failure was due to Unseasoned troops, insufficiently officered, which necessitated consideration of the evacuation and the dispatch, of General Monro. It is believed the latter reported that only the Australians and New Zealanders were fit to maintain a sustained front.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.