MIDDLE EAST.

Taranaki Daily News, 25 August 1920, Page 5

MIDDLE EAST.

FIGHTING THE ARABS.

THE LATEST REPORT. J By A*a —Copjrl*M. ' Received August 24, 10.35 p.m. [ Delhi. August 23. Advices from Bagdad report that a : concentration of tribes at Baquba waff heavily bombed with good results. A small British column operating near the barrage came into, contact with the Arabs, who were repulsed with the bayonet. The enemy was subsequently routed by Indian lancers. Our casualties were light, and the enemy casualties were heavy. It was difficult to observe owing to dust. There is no change elsewhere. Trains are running regularly to Hillah and Shahrag.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn. OPERATIONS IN PERSIA. !• THE ENEMY RETREATING. Received August 24, 7.30 p.m. Teheran, August 22. Reports state that the enemy is retreating in the direction of Resht (in Persia, 150 miles from Teheran). The British took 80 prisoners, and captured a big gun.—Times Service.

A PERILOUS SITUATION. HEAVY REINFORCEMENTS NEEDED. London, August 21. Tie struggle in Mesopotamia has become as expensive as the South African war. and more exhausting. The same public support is necessary. Eventa nave proved that military occupation before the armistice was attempted with too few troops, mostly levies. Cheapness proved unsuccessful. A perilous situation is developing, in which the public should reserve discussion. The future administration should concentrate on military necessities. The abandonment of Bagdad might be an intelligent policy, yet it would not be well with us if, on the morrow of the signature of peace, Arab mobs were permitted to drive us out, which is a quite possible contingency unless we pull ourselves together. The crisis threatens to produce some issues flowing out to Jerusalem, Damascus, Delhi, and Teheran, and, above all, the Bolshevik frontier. Bagdad already is semi-isolated and Lord' Ealdane is obliged to telegraph round a large circle in Asia in order to communicate with his troops near at hand. The Persian frontier garrisons at Ramadiyeh and Felva are. cut off from Bagdad. The position on the lower Euphrates is no better. Only the Tigris line, to the north and south of Bagdad, remains at present. Relief of the situation, in which the troops during the present season are suffering the tortures of an inferno, demands heavy reinforcements. Additional troops are required to restore connections with Persia.—Times.

ARABS GIVING TROUBLE. London, August 21. Arab mobs pillaged Khanikin, Kizilrobart and Sharaban. A refuge camp, Bakuba, is reported to be surrounded. "Flames of war" passed from the Arab country into southern Kuristan. The British have lost the railway to Kifri and outposts at Kirkuk, Suleimaniyah and Kifri are temporarily left in the air. Some concentration of our forces in Persia is necessary in order to maintain supplies.—Times. ENGLISH VOLUNTEERS FOR SERVICE. London, August 22. In response to the Government's appeal, hundreds of ex-officers are volunteering for service in Mesopotamia.— Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.