ASIA MINOR WAR

Press, Volume LVII, Issue 17111, 5 April 1921, Page 7

ASIA MINOR WAR

THE GREEK OFFENSIVE. STRONG TURKISH RESISTANCE. (By Oable—Press Association—Copyright.) (Australian and N.Z. Cable AshocMUon.) LONDON, April 3. Constantinople telegrams continue to claim a big victory after a week's fighting at Eskishehr, owing to a Turkish counter-offensive on March 31st.

The Constantinople correspondent of the "Morning Post" says that there is little detail to support the extravagant story of a Greek rout, with the loss of 20,000 men, though Kemalist telegrams say that whole battalions wero wiped out. and the Broussa road was covered with booty. The "Post" says that apparently the Greeks engaged in a two days' attack upon the last heights of Inonou Pass., which would open Eskishehr to them. The Greeks here met serious resistance, and found the defences on successive dominating heights organised with all modern methods. The Turks also showed great doggedness in counter-attack. It may be concluded that the Greeks received a temporary check.

CONSTANTINOPLE, April 2. A desperate struggle is proceeding between the Turks and Greeks north of Eskishehr, Anatolia. 'The Turks hold a strong nosition' between Boyeyuk and Kovafitsa, where the main Turkish force is concentrated! It-consists of about 20,000 men, well equipped with artillery and munitions.

The Greek left-wing has been held up, 6ut the right, after three clays' fighting, captured Kovalitsa Hill and forced back the Turkish left. It is reported that the Greek casualties total 7000.