London, Dec. 28.
India has now stepped into the arena of the second great war, telegraphs Reuter's special correspondent with the British Expeditionary Force in France.
The -first contingent of Indian troops is now disembarking in a French port. It consists entirely of Moslems, drawn from all parts of India and led by British and Indian officers.
With them are a number of noncomjoatants, including religious teachers, cooks, water-carriers, and sweepers. The men are wearing Indian winter clothing, which is being supplemented by extra gear from the British authorities, Millions of Cigarettes newcomers are bringing special food and millions of Indian cigarettes, while British officers have been buying: live animals, mostly goats, to increase the Indians' food supply. These animals must be handed over alive and slain according to Indian custom, As soon as possible, the Indians will be moved into the forward area of the British zone and there dispersed into small units to be stationed at various places.
They are accompanied by a large number of mules, which will be used mostly to supplement existing means of mechanical transport.—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.