The news from Serbia on Wednesday was of a grave character. The Bulgarians, with large forces, were undertaking a flanking move round the Babuna Pass, descending from Tetovo, which they have apparently recaptured, in the direction of Gostivai.
This is a new and serious threat to Monastir, and it is reported that prompt help is urgently needed to counter this thrust. The foreign diplomatic body in Serbia has had to alter its plans, and is now making for Scutari instead of Monastir.
WARSHIPS AT SALONIKA.
There is a great concentration of Allied warships in the bay of Salonika, and the landing of troops goes on incessantly. Meanwhile pourparlers are proceeding to Athens. Definite pledges are being required of Greece.
The Allies demand absolute security for the Allied troops in Greek Macedonia. The point that arose on M. Skouloudis’ intimation of the possibility of the internment of Serbian troops if they crossed into Greek territory and the attitude of the Greeks towards Allied troops is to be cleared up without ambiguity.
Italy is said to be about to take active steps which will go far to safeguard against any further Balkan betrayal and at the same time defend her interests in the Adriatic, which are being gravely menaced. There is a rumour of Austrian intention to attempt a landing on the Albanian cost.
IN FRANCE AND FLANDERS.
No movements of importance are reported. The German official message says French attempts to retake a trench near Ecurie were defeated.
Sir John French in his report last Tuesday night states that since November 10th the artillery on both sides has been active, especially south of the La Bassee Canal east of Kemmel, and east of Ypes, but no infantry actions have taken place. There has been considerable mining activity.
ACTIVITY IN RUSSIA.
Fighting on the Middle Styr, which has been constantly growing in intensity for days past, is culminating in massed fire from the enemy’s heavy guns, which have recently appeared on the Ralaovka-Czartoryisk front.
Having failed to turn the Russian position, the enemy is now striving to break the Russian front at the most likely spot – some flat country, where the nature of the banks and bed of the Styr facilitate a crossing.
They have advanced something like a couple of miles. Russian military critics point out that the fighting is not of a rearguard character, but is a pitched battle to the left of the river.
BRITISH SUBMARINES HUNTED.
It is reliably reported that the Turks now have about 120 very rapid motorboats in the Sea of Marmora for the purpose of running down British submarines.
These boats are fitted with quick-firing guns, and it is hoped that they will succeed in eliminating the submarine peril.
AERIAL ATTACKS.
It is reported that bombs were thrown a few days ago at New Lichtervelde. Ten military automobiles were destroyed and some German soldiers were killed and thirty wounded.
Four persons were killed and nine injured by bombs dropped on Tuesday by a German aeroplane near Dunkirk.
ITALIANS’ PROGRESS.
The Italians have extended their positions on the mountain slopes near Rovereto, and along the line eastward have repelled numerous attacks, inflicting heavy losses on the Austrians, particularly on the Carso.
In the Monte San Michele zone strong enemy forces made two successive violent attacks. These were stopped by rapid and well directed fire of artillery, and in the end the enemy retired with heavy losses.
“WINSTON” AND LORD FISHER.
In the House of Commons on Monday, Mr. Winston Churchill made a lengthy explanation of his action in the Dardanelles venture and his resignation from the Cabinet.
He confined himself almost entirely to the sending of the Naval Brigade to Antwerp, the initiation of the attempt to force the Dardanelles and the episode incidental thereto, which brought about the retirement of Lord Fisher as First Sea Lord.
Mr. Churchill brought to light many new facts in connection with the Dardanelles, and said that he only submitted to the altered plan of campaign which took control out of the hands of the Admiralty with a great deal of reluctance.
“I will not have it said that this is a civilian plan, foisted by a political amateur upon reluctant officers and experts.” This step having been taken, his complaint was that the objective was not pursued with the speed and vigour that were essential to success.
He asserted that the First Sea Lord was silent at the momentous meeting of the War Committee at which the Dardanelles expedition was determined upon.
“I did not receive from the First Sea Lord the clear guidance I was entitled to expect,” declared Mr. Churchill, and he also asserted that Lord Fisher withheld his support when the success of the venture became obscure.
Mr. Churchill hastened to pay tribute to the part Lord Fisher has played in the war.
Lord Fisher, in the House of Lords on Tuesday, made a very brief but telling reply. Rising from the cross benches, he said : —
I ask leave of your lordships to make a personal statement. Certain deference’s were made to me in a speech delivered yesterday by Mr. Churchill. I have been 61 years in the service of my country, and I leave my record in the hands of my countrymen.
The Prime Minister said yesterday that Mr. Churchill had said one or two things which he had better not have said, and he had necessarily left unsaid some things which will have to be said.
I am content to wait. It is unfitting to make personal explanations affecting national interests when my country is in the midst of a great war
