30 MARCH 1918, Page 2

General Allenby in Palestine, having secured his new line from

the coast north of Jaffa to the Jordan, began a new move on Friday week to the east of the Jordan. Our troops crossed the river, in the face of considerable resistance, and by last Sunday night had pene- trated for nine miles into the mountain fastnesses of Gilead. German as well as Turkish troops were encountered and driven back. London infantry captured a hostile battery. On Monday our men were close to Es Salt, on the top of the plateau, which is only fifteen miles west of the Hedjaz Railway connecting Damascus with Medina. When this line is cut, General Allenby's extreme right flank will be secure, and the Turks further south will he isolated.