1915-11-04 — Page 7

THE WAR.

PRIME MINISTER

SITUATION.

REVIEWS

DISAPPOINTMENTS AND FAILURES IN BALKANS.

"COMPULSION BY GENERAL CONSENT.”

THE HIGHER DIRECTION OF THE WAR.

PREMIER'S REFRESHING CANDOUR WELCOMED.

GENERAL.

(THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.}

THE HONGKONG, DAILY PRESS, THURSDAY, NOVEMBEK 4rn, 1915.

(THROUGH ABUIZE'S AGENCY)

"A PEW FURTIVE' SUBMARINES." The whole of the effective maritime and military resources of Germany upon the eas, after fifteen months of war, were re- duced to the sporadic and constantly dimi. nishing offorts of a few furtive submarines,

which sent to the bottom far more inno- cent and unoffending civilians then any. These military harm they had done, figures were more eloquent than columns of thetoric, and he could conceive no better medicine for any who effected to be downhearted, or doubtful that the Empire was playing its part in the greatest struggle in history.

THE LOYALTY OF THE POPULATION-

He was not going to apologise (loud and continuous cheers)-either for the people of the Empire; who had borne their part so magnificently, or for the Government, which--no doubt with many shortcomings and mistake, but to the best of its ability and, he believed, with the confidence of the great mass of his fellow countrymen-had controlled. organised and directed' this great campaign. (Loud cheers,}

TILE CAMPAIGN IN THE WEST.

Mr. Asquith touched briefly on the campaign on the Western front, where our total casualties up to a week ago were 377,000, considerably more than twice the total of the original expeditionary

{THROUGH REUTER ́S AGENCY.},

THE SETBACK IN THE NARROWS.

(TAROLAR REUTRE'S AGENCY.] `.

dow and the Empire should contribute the most fruitfully and effectively to comb cause.

Wa

'(THROUGH' REUTER'S AGENCY.] course, would be an admission of failure and was only justifiable after every other Wo alternative had been exhausted. ought to concentrate at Salonika, use our Daval power to its utmost, od make

Sir

That was not the case. No one was more responsible than he. (Cheers). He thought then, as everybody must have thought who knew the whole circumstances, that we could run no risks, especially as we had very great abjects in view, namely, to influence the whole kalkan situa tion in a sense favourable to the Allies, to open communication with the Black Sea and to strike a blow at the very heart of the Turkish Empire. The operations culminated in the attack in the Narrows,

SIR EDWARD GREY'S REPLY. which resulted in a set-hack: The Goy ernment had then to consider whether

Sir Edward Grey said that Sir E. further operations should be continued.

It was the opinion of the advisers to the

Carson's statement must have given the Government, and it seemed a very tenable

impression that the Government promised to help Serbia and then vncillated and Sir opinion, that by the aid of adequate military force an attack might still be Hence, rich and resourceful though we thus lost a valuable opportunity. -driven home successfully. Sir lan were, we must cut our coat according to Edward Grey explained that his words Nevertheless, he did not on the 28th September were founded on -Hamilton way selected to conduct the ex-our cloth.

pedition. He had witnessed the Naval think our position compared unfavour

a promise made jointly with the French attack on March 18th, and he and the ably with that of Germany, where the Government to send a certain number of Vice Admiral on the spot were in agree consumption was far in excess of what the troops to Salonika for the express pur ment that joint Naval and Military country could produce, and where stocks pose of enabling Grecco to fulfil ber The active plan were rapidly diminishing. Further, the obligations. It ought clearly to be under- attack was necessary.

standard of living for the greater part stood that there had been no delay in of the popalation of Germany left hitle or no margin of reserve. Britain was in landing troops to assist Serbin in her hour-

FINANCIAL POSITION VERY SERIOUS. The financial position was very serious. We were buying goods abroad in excess of vigurous efforts to compel Greece to fulfil our export to the extent of £30,000,000 her Treaty obligations-even to the extent At the same time Edward Carson, continuing his speech, munthly, agtinst an average of 211,000,000 of breaking off friendly relations, before the war. were making advances to Allies and other, hoped the now plan of campaign would which was estimated in the current be worked out clearly and definitely, financial year to amount to £423,000,000, because there was no trace of any such We had also, alone amongst belligerent thing when he was in the Cabinet. uations, maintained our free market for gold, and had, indeed, exported a large amount. We were further undertaking commitments which could only be paid by a further expert of gold or a sale of Securities,

of the operation was left to the judgment of the Commanders on the spot, and there was never any disagreement between them and the opinion of the General Staff in Britain,

"NEVER SUSTAINED A KEENER DIS. APPOINTMENT."

much better position in this respect, but we could not sustain the burden of this great war unless individuals and Gorerament alike were prepared to make and retrenchments greater sacrifices, economy.

** COMPULSION BY GENERAL CONSENT.**

of need.

The Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs emphatically denied that through vacation and hesitation help had been lost to Serbia. We had been in close con- bultation with France as to the best 183 that could be made of the forces sent th the near East. There been absolutely n> · delay. All the forces at our disposal were unded at Salonica, and were now engaged in the operations in the Balkans, while preparations were being made for the sending of further forces to the East. All assistance in the power of Britain and France had been given to Serbia in her hour of need after the Creek Unvernment tions to Serbin.

PEACE. IRELAND WANTS NO PREMATURE ·

THROUGH REUTER'S AGENCY.)

This gigantic force had been raised from THE PROGRESS OF THE WAR, the manhood of the United Kingdom and the Empire. He did not like to give the exact figure, but it was an unprecedented-torce. He said that, happily, there had capture and would have been cernimed practised was haphazard, capricious, and took a different view of its Treaty obliga-

LONG STATEMENT BY THE PREMIER.

LONDON, November 3rd. The House of Commons was crowdel with an animated throng of members. yesterday. Mr. Asquith received warm cheers ou rising to make his statement,

Mr. Asquith, in the name of the whole, the House, expressed sympathy with King.

He was glad to say that

FOR ABSOLUTION."

His

He pro-

posed to adopt neither attitude. but to

number of went.

THE COLONIAL CONTINGENTS,

Wie

The contribution

India from splendid and well-known. (Cheers.) Canada tu contributed 90,000 officers

Zealand

25,000,

BRILLIANCE OF THE RUSSIANA.

The actual operations were familiar to

The average east of the army is usually everybody, aut he would only say that in the whole course of the war they had reckoned at one hundred sterling per head never sustained a keener disappointment annualy, but under present conditions than in the failure of the operations that figure was vastly increased. The an at the beginning of August. The chances was costing now between £50 and £300 of success seemed not only great but pre-per head. ponderauing. The consequences of success It would

The Prime Minister then dwelt on the would be almost immeasurable. solve the whole situation in the Balkans,.

He admitted would have prevented Bulgaria entering question of compulsion. the war, and left Constantinople open to that voluntary recruiting as hitherto throughout the whole Eastern world as a to some extent unjust, but his objection been a very large percentage of recoveries most brilliant demonstration of the to compulsion was based on the ground tut under existing conditions compul superiority of the Allies. from wounds, which placed the net per-

But it had not succeeded, notwithstandsion would forfeit what was regarded as

national maintenance of

unity imanent wastage on a much smaller scale.ing the magnificent exhibition which had of supreme capital importance, namely:

never been surpassed-(Cheers)-of the the gallantry and resources of British troops, (cheers). He would propose not to rule and none were more conspicuous than the out compulsion as an furpossible expe (Cheers). Nor ought the diet, but that compulsion ought only to Australians.

Navy, ing general consent. services of the house to forget the extraordinary and be resorted to with something approach- magnificent

He did not fear that there would be say (Cheers.) Mr. Asquith paid an eloquent tribute to the services of submarines, and necessity to resort to anything beyond emphasised that up to October 28th, Lord Derby's great national effort, which

POLITICAL ATMOSPHERE CONSIDERABLY CLEARED. operating in the Sea of Marmora, they was being carried out with the hearty that married men who enlisted would

The opinion is generally held that two battle ships, five gun buats, one

and unmarried men were bolding back. despite eriticisms Mr. Asquith bas eon- supply ships. (Cheers).

He hoped unmarried men would obsiderably cleared the political atmosphere tained by voluntary effort, but if need and has removed opprehensions that the be, they would be secured by other means Government would split upon the rock of Compulsion. is refreshing condour on (chvers).

the subject of the Dardanello and finance is also welcomed, placing all subjects in public the better to grasp the knotty pro- their proper perspective and enabling the blems with which we are faced..

beeri more

The Prime Minister affirmed that he could and men-(cheers)--Australia 92,000- not pass without paying a tribute to the (cheers)--New

while supreme fighting qualities of the Russian South Africa, after a most successful soldier, which had never

conspicuously manifested than during the campaign in German South-West Africa, recent reirent. (Cheers.)

The people in Great Britain had the ultimately and before long roll back the

(Cheers.)

had supplied important contingents for

Our Own

or

AT THE DABDANELLES.

ADVENT OF ENEMY SUBMARINES AT THE DARDAN ELLES.

1

THE BISHER DIRECTION OF THE WAR.

He attached the greatest importance to

Mr. John Redmond said that Ireland would continue to do her duty on one condition, namely, that there was no talk of premature peace, which would bo a criminal betrayal of the living and the dend.

2 formal The debate took place on motion for adjournment, and consequently terminated at the end of the sitting with- out a vote.

Mr. Redmand's opposition to a prema- and means strong support for the Govern- ture peace came as a complete surprise. tent, since the recruiting field in Ireland has been comparatively untouched.

ENEMY ENTRAPPED IN SWAMPS.

tion between the staffs of the Allied a more complete and intimate co-ordina ANNIHILATED BY THE RUSSIANS. Powers. A very happy illustration was General Joffre's visit.

A MAGNIFICENT PERORATION, Mr. Asquith affirmed the great respon-

speak as the head of the Government on Colonies and Dependencies more remote East; namely that of the Dardanelles:been swept out of existenes. Also they jsibility resting upon him as head of the

the situation.

We were as determined to-day as we had ever been to prosecute the war to a success ful issue-(loud cheers)--and to use every means to exhaust, if necessary, every re-

Irom active military operations all de fensive organisations had received pr found stimulus.

THE WORK OF THE NAVY.

was War it

⇓

Ú

ALLIES LABOURS IN BALKANS A FAILURE,

ul.

PETROGRAD, November 3rd.. A communiqué says that the enemy unsuccessfully attacked above Friedrich- stadt in order to cross the Dvina in boats. The Russians on the night of the 31st rushed trenches north-west of Tehartorysk and captured machine-guns and 400 Austrians and Germans.

The enemy were driven into swamps The Russians in Galicis crcswd Lake. car Kumanovo and were nanihilated. ichkay and landed in the night on the apposite shore. They negotiated wire merged, and bayonotted the Austro- German defenders.

Further successes are reported in the Strypa region, numerous prisoners being taken.

Majesty was once more on British soil and service in East and Central Africa, and, greatest confidence that Russia would had succeeded in, sinking or damaging goodwill of all parties. He emphasised was going on as well as could be expected in addition, had furnished 6,500 men for tide of invasion and reverse the past. torpedo boat, eight transports and 197 not be called on to serve while younger The occasion was one of which tho House j ught to take advantage to express its adservice in Europe (Renwed cheers.)

The Prime Minister also referred, amid

THE PERSIAN GULF OPERATIONS. miration at the manner bi which the King cheers, to the splendid contributions from

He would like to say three words

The Prime Minister then described important and highly had always discharged the peculiarly re- Newfoundland, West Indies, Ceylon and

successful campaign in Mesopotamia the arrival of German submarines, but Ispensible duties which fell upon him in Fiji.

He emphasised that these figures (Cheers.) The object of sending a force said that the navy was equal to this and

Mr. Asquith, concluding, dealt with selected safe harbours, while mali eratt these times as Sovereign of this Empire.regarding the Dominions and thewus te secure the neutrality of the Arabs,

assembled in great numbers to maintain the question of the war committee of the (Cheers.)

to safe-guard our interest in the Persian Colonies were remarkable and significant Gulf. to protect our oil-fields generally, the communications of the Army. Finally cabitiet, which would have power to sum A number of specially construc.ed versets, con experts with special knowledge ou The cabinet "HOT A WRITE-SHEETES PENITENT ASKING but even then they did not include the and to maintain the authority of our flag largely due to the inventive genius of all important questions.

questions of preparation and maintenance in the East.

Mr. Asquith then related briliant Lord Fisher himself, went to the Mediter should be kept constantly informed of the risen question, involving a departure in policy Turning to his statement, the Prime of units in the field and the future ex-

work. The navy throughout nad

the cabinet should be consulted before river operations up till now. Sir John superior to all dificulties, and had main- Minister said that he was afraid that he passion of contingents already supplies series of absolutely unchequered land and rancan and had done, most magnificent decisions of the committee, and in all bad doomed to disappointment many ex-

or the very large number of men from all Nixon's force was within a measureable tained the communications of the army any decisive action was taken. He was intact (Loud cheers). He considered it confident that only on these lines was the pectations, He was afraid that he would parts of the Empire who had made their distance of Bagdad.

He did not think that, during the whole still premature to form a judgment re- successful conduct of the war possible. disappoint those who thought, it his dutyown way to the United Kingdom to

course of the War, there had been opera-garding the Dardanelles operations, but to appear in the guise of a criminal makonlist. (Cheers). He should also add, totions more carefully contrived. and more it must considered what would happen

with better if it had not been undertaken.

It was probable that the Russians ing the best defence he could for a some complete that aspect of the story, that ia brilliantly conducted

might have had a serious set back in the what doubtful past or as n white sheeted Rhodesia, East Africa, and the West prospects of final success. (Cheers.)

Caucasus, the Turks might have organsard African Colonies important additions penitent asking for absolution.

made to the existing.local forces had been

He now came to a not so unchequered a great attack against Egypt, while the placed upon the field; and that in other chapter, the story of our operations in the expedition to Mesopotamia night have

must not forget that the British at Gati-government, as measured by what had From the moment that Turkey polli were holding up 200,000 Turks, happened and what was still to happen. entered the

longer and preventing them doing incalculable Our best blood was being spilled and thousands of young lives cut short. A possible, from either strategic or mischief in other parts. (Cheers).

ery went up in ever-increasing volume political point of view, to concentrate our

from tom hearts and mutilated homes, entire energies in the Western theatro when the Turks threatened the Russia ne The present situation of the Dar and we might have stood aloof in this in the Caucasus, and, indirectly, Egypt danclles was receiving the most careul most maying tragedy in the history of The Turks were able to clow the Black and anxious consideration, as part of the mankind, yet he did not believe that otherwise Mr. Asquith ex Britain could have acted from the Black Sea Ports. Their entry recent developments.

He laboured unceasingly in upholding also produced a great and lasting effect plained how the Allies laboured ceaselessly (cheers).

the common cause. If there had been Consequently, the Government had to face admitted that the result had been dis upon the attitude of the Balkan States, for unity in the Balkan States, and

ou to critics who were the question of the Near East not merely appointment and a failure. He pointed errors, shortcomings, and lack of fore- talking of sight he was the first person to acknow strategically but had to consider in con sultation with the naval and military greater firmness and greater adroitness, ledger it, but he challenged anyone to authorities' advisers the best and most that unity of direction was the most improve that there had been anything of portant asset, and that Germany had the sloth, indifference or self complacency to politie course to take either aggressively advantage of such unity, while the Allies face unpalatable facts or to conceal the or otherwise. Great Britain, in January,

were going to carry a righteous os use to evitable differences in the point of view

a triumphant issue. to shift the burden until satisfied that I Austrian entrenchments on the Podgora Great Britain called, in an exceptional at one time, were subject to raids by for service East to do more than provide

for the local defence of Egypt against a Germany further had the advantage of degree, for three things-B proper German cruisers, and which even now Turkish attack, which ultimately was making lavish promises to Bulgaris, cannot bear it, or that it can be per- heights.

FURTHER ARTILLERY whereas the Allies could not barter away formed better by others," sense of perspective-(applause)—and an though believed to be rapidly diminishing defeated in February.

The Government had then brought to the property of our allies and friends Asquith amid cheers,

As long as I enjoy the confidence of overflowing reservoir of both active and in strength-are infested by submarines.

their notice the possibility of the naval behind their backs (cheers) or without

PARIS, November 3rd. passive courage.

It was a most remarkable fact that, attack on the Dardanelles. After full the assurance of adequate compensation.

the country I shall not surrender the

The evening communiqué reports violent cannonades and hand-to-hand trench He did not believe that the British up to the present, the loss of life on the investigation and consultation with the Further, when the allies were reproached my sovereign, the House of Commons and· we are tempted to be faint-hearted let people as a whole showed any lack of fall-whole of these gigantic oversea operation, naval experts, including the Admiral coin for being too late in providing active heavy task. If there be moments when

manding that part of the Mediterranean. help for Serbia it must be remembered

The French artillery south of the Somme ing off in any of these qualities. All that was considerably less than one-tenth and, notwithstanding some doubts and that up to the very last moment there

history done more to justify faith in the

trenches and they desired was to be told, as far as diplo. of one

per cent. (Cheers.) He did besitation in the mind of Lord Fisher, the was the strongest reason to believe that is ask ourselves in what year has our fighting in Neuville St. Vasst. beliove that, in the history Covernment felt justified in sanctioning Greece would acknowledge and act upon manhood and womanhood of our people

The Germans unsuccessfully exploded matic and military exigencies permitted, not

the naval attack People who thought her Treaty obligation to Serbia.

When the Bulgarian was (cheers). It brought us the imperishable plastered the German and said that the attack was

facing a worse ordeal than death, watch- how our cause stood, and to be assured, is of the world, any nation

could produce บ

death alreadying the French works. The French infan- ourselves for 150,000 men. That was on comparable without a full review of all its lat entiated begun lungo elisation was story of the last hours of Edith Cavell dropped shells among the enemy caliefs,

the enemy the maintenance of the defence of that age cause, that the Government and the people recurd. These figures did not include the bilities are entirely mistaken.

It was most carefully conceived, and the express understanding that Grecceing the moments creeping on to her doom, several mines in Argonne without damag-

men a supreme lesson in courage, and inccupying the craters. was developed between the Admiral on the would mobilise also. M. Venezelos later slowly and remorselessly, were playing a worthy part. (Applause.) millions of tons of stores carried for the

A year are thousands of such women. There could not be a greater mistake than navies of the Allied countries. And, Mr.spot and the War Stoff of the Admiralty, announced that Greece must abide by her swallowed np. It has taught our bravest try fire prevented

ago we did not know it. We have great the United Kingdom and Empire there traditions but a nation does not exist on traditions alone. Thank God have living examples of all the qualities that

source-in the attainment of our common of the Navy and the transporting Sea and our supplies of Russian wheat large strategic question raised by the these sufferers would have it said that entanglements, some of which were sub-

supreme purpose (Lond cheers.) ·

FEUITFUL OF SURPRISES AND DISAPPOINTMENTS.

It was true that today some parts of

the horizon were overcast. This war like

all the great wars in history, had been fruitful of surprises and disappointments

to all the combatants engaged. It seemed

it

the

Mr. Asquith then turned to the work

troops since the beginning war. The transport department of the Admiralty, for the Army alone, had carried two and a half million officers and en, 320,000 sick, wounded and nurses, two and a half millions of tons of stores and munitions, and 800,000 horses, mules,

and camels. These operations involved

at this moment that the sitnation in bousands of voyages through seas which, had Insufficient military forces available / must consult each other, resulting in in truth (cheers), Ho was confident that we

at Bny

to suppose that the Government had any Asquith asked, was there anything.com. interest in concealing anything-subject parable in history to the actual service

of the Navy itself? (Loud cheers.)

to one overruling condition, that its dis closure did not assist the enemy.

BIR JOHN FRENCH COMMANDS A MILLION

MEN.

WHERE IS THE GERMAN FLEET?

in any operation.

"

am not going

declared Mr.

The men of the Grand Fleet were living|manding the Russian army, who rightly people of Britain-and the opinion was built up and sustained our empire. Let in the twilight as fay as the public was thought it would assist him in the Cau- also shared by France and Russia--that us be worthy of them and endure to the

eoncerned, unnoticed and unadvertised,

end" (Loud cheers).

EX-CARINET MINISTER'S

CRITICISMS.

2

ITALIANS PUSHING

FORWARD.

KOME, November 3rd. An official announcement says that the Italians have forced the fourth line of

FIGHTING.

from

HIS MAJESTY'S VISIT TO FLANDER.

"THE FINAL LAP WINS."

and before any final decision was taken treaty with Serbia, but the King re-

žalos resigned. Adairalty, who entirely approved of t

These were facts to be recognised by it was communicated to the French pudiated the declaration, and M. Vene- and agreed to participate therein. It was people complaining of the alleged inertia

LONDON, November 3rd. enthusiastically received and acclaimed by Dele of be a wished

Reuters correspondent at Headquarters the illustrious Grand Duke, then com

to say on behalf of the Government and

ways that the King, on the eve of his depar ture, in a special Order of the Day said- "I am happy to have been one more with casus. The matter was also carefully Berbia cannot be allowed to become a

my Armies. It was especially gratifying reviewed over and over again by the War prey of this sinister and nefarious con-

to me to be able to see some of the newly- Mr. Asquith asked how did we stand but they were performing with a pro- Council. The operation then conceived bination (Choers),

The British and French Genera's Staff,

Sir Edward Carson declared that the created Armies, whose growth has been to-day, and emphasised the fact that we ficiency and a vigilance which it was was purely naval, and we could not afford

watched from recruit drill till they were at that time-Earl Kitchener said so and have come to a complete agreement in

cabinet as an organisation and as began the war with six infantry and two impossible to describe or even to appre

we all agreed-any substantial military regard to this matter, and "Serbia may be assured that her independence is re-

for the Front. They have already justi cavalry Divisions. But, in the operations

ciate, a service to the whole Empire support.

ing the war under present conditione.

fied the general conviction of their (Chrere). It was therefore decided to make au garded by us as one of the essential musching was utterly incapable of conduct inspected on the eve of their departure described in Sir John French's despatch

What we wanted was a small number of men sitting daily with the best expert splendid fighting worth. It is a matter of regret to me that my accident prevented to-day, in the operations during Septem-(Cheers). Where was the German Great

my full share," said Mr. Asquith, “of tha

Mr. Asquith next dealt with home advisers, and taking the whole responsi

me from seeing all the troops, but I have her and October of this year, he command-Fleet, on which so much talk, so much attempt with the navy alone. I take objects of the Alliance."

science, and so much money had been responsibility for the initiation of that fall share-

seen enough to fill my heart with admira- (Load

questions, namely, an adequate supply of bilty, Sir Edward Carson read his lettor operation-cheers)—my cheers). To this must be added troops expended, and which was to be a renewed cheers)-and 1 deprecate more for the Army and Navy and the tendering his resignation. wherein he

than I can say the attempt to allocate provision of munitions, and the burden said that in view of Sir Edward Grey's tion of their cheerful endurance and blame to one Minister or another, or to of the common allied finace. The nation statement on the 29th September he was dogged determination. Keep the goal in

Moreover, steha

(Con inved on page 6.) of great authority and overmastering will and adjust the different ways of serving abandona Serbia to her fate, without lap that wins." suggest that some undefined personality had to consider how it could co-ordinate unable to understand how England can sight, and remember that it is the final

these purposes so that the Unile Krag national dishonour. controlled and directed the strategy."

ed not for short of a million men.

theatres of war as well as the reserves

in the Dardanelles, Egypt and at other petual menace to the United Kingdom

(Hear hear). It was locked up in the in the garrisons in the United Kingdom Baltic; it dared not show its face on any and the outlying parts of the Empire. sca where it could be encountered.

HOME QUESTIONS.