SURRENDER OF JERUSALEM TO THE BRITISH.
TURKS DRIVEN AWAY.
OFFICIAL ENTRY TO-DAY
Jerusalem has surrendered to the British. This great and historic event took place on Sunday, as the result of the brilliant operations of the forces under General Sir Edmund Allenby, which, by successive steps, swept back the enemy on the whole line from Beersheba to Jaffa and by gradually encircling the Holy City rendered its further tenure by the Turks impossible. The news was announced to the House of Commons yesterday afternoon by the Chancellor of the Exchequer, who was asked by Mr. Mckenna, one of his predecessors in that post, “whether he was in a position to give House any information with reference to Palestine.” Mr. Bonar Law: General Allenby reports that on the 8th he attacked the enemy’s positions south and west of Jerusalem. Welsh and Home County troops, advancing from the direction of Bethlehem, drove back the enemy, and, passing Jerusalem on the east, established themselves on the Jerusalem-jericho road. At the same time the London Infantry and Dismounted Yeomanry attacked strong enemy positions west and northwest of Jerusalem, and established themselves astride the Jerusalem-shechem road. The Holy City being thus isolated was surrendered to Sir Edmund Allenby by the Mayor on Dec. 9. (Cheers.) The British Political Officer, together with the British Governor of the City, accompanied by British, French, Italian, and Indian Mohammedan Guards, is on his way to safeguard the city and the holy places. General Allenby proposes to enter the city officially on Dec. 11, accompanied by the commanders of the French and Italian contingents and the head of the French Political Mission. The capture of Jerusalem has been in some degree delayed in consequence of the great care which has been taken to avoid damage to sacred places in and around the city. (Cheers.)
THE KING’S MESSAGE.
We are officially informed that the following telegram has been sent by the King to General Sir E. H. H. Allenby: The news of the occupation of Jerusalem will be received throughout my Empire with the greatest satisfaction, and I heartily congratulate you and all ranks on their success. Such an achievement is a fitting sequel to the hard marching and fighting of the troops as well as to the organisation by which the difficulties of supply, transport, and water have been overcome.
I rejoice to think that by skilful dispositions you have preserved intact the holy place.
(Signed) GEORGE R.I.
CATHOLIC CELEBRATION.
The Catholics in London were the first to celebrate the taking of Jerusalem, a solemn “Te Deum” being sung yesterday evening at Westminster Cathedral. As soon as the news was received the big bell of the cathedral, has not sounded since the beginning of the war, was rung.
In spite of the short notice a large congregation assembled before the Altar of the Blessed Sacrament. Among those present were Sisters of Charity and Mercy, many of whom have been seen on the battlefields. When the Cardinal, accompanied by the canons and chaplain, entered the cathedral the choir chanted “Urbs beata Jerusalem.” The “Te Deum” was intoned by the Cardinal, the responses being taken up by the choir. This was followed by special prayers. Then was sung “Surge illuminari Jerusalem,” or “The Glory of the Lord is upon them,” a song of joy at the liberation from pagan domination. At the: conclusion of the service the National Anthem was sung, a thing rarely done in Catholic churches. Another departure from custom was the wearing by the Cardinal of the Cappa Magna of scarlet, with a long train of the same colour, the usual colour in Advent being purple.
CHIEF RABBI’S STATEMENT.
The Chief Rabbi, Dr. Hertz, last night made the following statement: “Jerusalem, which for ages has been the magnetic pole of the love and reverence of the world, is now in British hands; and this soul-thrilling news reaches us on the day that the Jews are celebrating the Maccabean festival. On this very day 2,070 years ago, the Maccabees freed the Holy City from the heathen oppressor, and thereby changed the spiritual future of humanity. Who knows that to-day’s victory may form as glorious a landmark in the history of mankind.”
INTERESTING COINCIDENCE.
A prominent Jewish publicist, speaking to a Press representative, said the capture of Jerusalem by the forces of the nation which had done so much to afford a home and refuge to the Jews of all nations revived many memories. “It is a glorious victory for the Jewish nation, he said. “To-day is a significant day in the Jewish calendar, for it is the anniversary of the capture of the Temple by Judas Maccabeus. After looking back over the entire history of Jewry we now feel that the race is entering into a new epoch.”