TRIPOLI BATTLE.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1274, 1 November 1911, Page 5

TRIPOLI BATTLE.

ITALIANS SURPRISED. ARABS ATTACK ON FRONT AND REAR. WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER. By Teleeraph-Prces Association-Copyright (Kec. October 31, 10.10 p.m.) Tripoli, October 31. Tho attack on Tripoli and the Arab uprising: camo as a complete surprise. The impression prevailed that the Turks were sixty miles inland. Aeroplane rccoiuiaUwmces, however, revealed a largo force of Turks, aud Arabs, at Mnsry, iiiteen miles south-east of tho town, and subsequently three groups wero reported on October 23, lour miles distant, and advancing rapidly.

Oasis Filled With Arabs. A great drawback to the operations was an oasis, many square m-'les in extent, lying between tho outpost line and Tripoli, and covered with residences, gardens, aud also tho dwellings of a large portion of tho Native population. An enemy occupying it could cut the army's communications and attack it front and rear. The Italians relied on their recent proclamation as to tho terms of surrender, and allowed the Arabs to remain at the oasis. It is now known that on retreating tho Turks armed everybody in the oasis. Fighting on Both Fronts, When the Bcrsaglieri regiment were repelling an attack on their front on October 23, swarms of Arabs from tho oasis attacked them in the rear, and the Bersaglieri regiment wero obliged to face both ways. They lost heavily, and many were massacred when proceeding along tho roads through the oasis to join their comrades in front.

' The Arabs beyond the Italian front repeatedly attempted to penetrate the outpost Hue, to join the Arabs in the oasis.

Insurrection in the Town. An insurrection occurred simultaneously on October 23, and all Arabs caught shooting soldiers were executed wholesale.

The townspeople were seized with panic, and tool: refuge in tho Consulates and on the seashore.

The attacks outside tho town were repulsed. The Turkish troops then retired.

Extermination of Arabs. Desultory firing between tho outposts was continued on October 21 and October 25. The extermination of all Arabs found in the oasis was also continued during the three days. Jlany houses wero blown up.

The biggest and most determined onslaught on ihe outer line vas made on October 20. It was pressed with admirable courage, but the Italian infantry reserved their fire until their assailants wero within fifty yards. They then swept them away with steady volleys, iinally making a bayonet charge.

Tho Italians, finding their lino too extonsive, v.-ithdrcw a mile, and meanwhile the Turks were largely reinforced. Izzot Pasha has assumed the supremo command of tho Turkish forces. A fuTther battle is imminent.

ITALIAN REINFORCEMENTS, EESBRVISTS SUMMONED TO . COLOUES. (Eec. October 31, 10.10 p.m.) Rome, October 31. A leading newspaper announces that more reservists have been summoned to bring tho arm;r of occupation up to 100,000.

Many still behove that the- Government is suppressing facts relating to the casualties, preferring to allow tho details to filter through slowly, owing to tho excitable temperament of the nation.

ENTHUSIASM IN CONSTANTINOPLE. OVERWHELMING TURKISH VICTORY REPORTED. (Rec. October 31, 10.10 p.m.) Constantinople, October 31. Rumours of Turkish successes and the capture of part of Tripoli town have elated tho public. Ahmed Uiza Bey informed the Chamber that unofficial information had been receivod stating that tho Italians had been utterly routed, losing 5000 killed, and that 7000 had been taken prisoners. Tho message also stated that ninetyfive guns, thirty-live machine-guns, and (Treat quantities of war material had been captured by the Turkish forces.

The War Offico was unable to confirm tho information.

There have beeu enthusiastic processions in the streets.

RECAPTURE OF TRIPOLI, A TURKISH REPORT. London, October 30. The Turkish attacks on tho town of Tripoli were more stubborn than tho Italians will admit. European refugees assort that the position is critical. Turkish papers state that Tripoli has been recaptured. Oho alleges that the Turks, on Saturday last, 'drove tho Italians back from the city, and that the Italians lost 300 killed and 700 wounded.

ITALIAN AND TURKISH LOSSES. HEAVY CASUALTY LIST. Rome, October 30. It is officially stated that at Tripoli, from October 23 to 26, thirteen officers and 3GI men woro killed, and sixteen officers and 112 men wounded. The preponderance of the killed was duo to a band of rebel Arabs suddenly attacking the Bersaglieri Regiment's flank.

Keuter's correspondent estimates that MOO Arabs were killed during tho fighting, or were subsequently shot between October 23 and 27.

WHOLESALE SLAUGHTER. ARABS SHOT DOWN AT SIGHT. Malta, October 30. Details of last Monday's fight show that the Italians suppressed tho rising with tho utmost severity, wiping out an oasis which was a danger spot, nml shooting, without trial, evsry Arab met there. In the confusion ninny women and children were killed.

BENGHAZI BOMBARDMENT. IMMENSE DAMAGE DONE. Malta, October 30. Router's correspondent was not allowed to enter Benghazi during the recent fightfug. However, he has learned that the bombardment on October 19 did immense

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