ATTACK ON THE DARDANELLES

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2402, 6 March 1915, Page 7

ATTACK ON THE DARDANELLES

OBSERVATORY STATION DEMOLISHED FORTY GUNS DESTROYED AND BRIDGE ' WRECKED By Telegraph—Pites Association—Copyriebt The Prime Minister has received the following message from tie High Commissioner :— London, March 5, 1.30 a.m. The Admiralty announce that the attack on the fortresses in the Dardanelles has been continued, but the results obtained within the Straits have not yet been reported. Outside of the Straits, H.M.S. Dublin (second-class cruiser, 5400 tons, eight 6-inch guns) demolished the Observatory station on the Gallipoli Peninsula. H.M.S. Sapphire (third-class cruiser, 3000 tons, < twelve 4-inch guns) bombarded the guns and troops at varibus points iii the Gulf of Adramyti. Sis modern field guns near Fort 8 were destroyed, bringing the total number of guns demolished up to forty. French battleships bombarded the Bulair forts and wrecked the Kavack Bridge. RUSHING TROOPS TO CONSTANTINOPLE. ■ Athens, March 4. The Turks are rushing guns and troops towards Constantinople. Ten warships are bombarding the inner forts. 'A SOOTHING, SPEECH IN THE TURKISH PARLIAMENT. London, March 4. Speaking in the Turkish Parliament, Halif Bey, President of the Chamber of Deputies, said the bombardment of the Dardanelles had been without result, and probably the enemy would not come through the strait. He added that if they did they would find the greatest part of the Turkish army gathered there. ■ Another message states that Djemal Pasha, the Turkish Commander, has b : een recalled from Egypt to supervise the defence of Constantinople. WONDERFUL' PERFORMANCE OF OTTOMAN TROOPS. London, March 4. 'X Constantinople message states that Halif Bey, President of the Chamber of Deputies, announced in the Chamber that the Ottoman troops have exhausted the Russian army in the Caucasus, crossed the Suez Canal, and. having fulfilled their tasks, had returned and were perfectfng their positions'. They would, he said, shortly release Egypt from the tyranny of tho enemy, and drive the British out of Asiatic Turkey. . FALL OF CONSTANTINOPLE'A - MATTER OF TIME. ' ... London, March 4. 'Austrian and German newspapers admit that it is only a question of timk before Constantinople succumbs to the Allies. It is reported that all available guns are going to Constantinople from all parts of Turkey. The best troops are being hurried from Syria and Armenia.— 'Times" and Sydney "Sim" Services. TURKS REPORTED TO BE SHORT OF BIG-GUN AMMUNITION. ' London, March 4. The "Daily Mail's" Copenhagen correspondent reports that news has been received in Berlin that the Turks are short of big-gnn ammunition, and that the Austrians are rushing supplies to Constantinople. MANY FUNERAL PYRES OF TURKS. (Rec. March 6, 0.35 a.m.) Athens, March 5. Landing parties in the Dardanelles report finding many funeral pyres of Turks killed by the bombardment. ITALY'S POSITION AS A GREAT POWER

t MOMENTOUS DECISION 'APPROACHING. (Eeo. March 5, 5.20 p.m.) London, March 4. 'Die "Correspondenza," Rome, prints an apparently inspired note stating that a momentous decision is approaching, and that the Government is determined to intervene in the war to safeguard Italy's position as a, Great rower, if questions aro raised regarding tbo DwdiincllQii that euunol bo diplomaUually Lsottlcd,—:"Timcs" atid Si'cuim .''Sun."- Services, ,

ITALIAN PREPARATIONS FOE WAB, (Rec. March 6, 0.35 a.m.) Rome, March 5. General Zuppelli, the Minister of War, in supporting the Bill in favour of tie recall of reserve officers, said that all classes were seeking to enter tho army. The Premier, in introducing a Bill to prevent espionage, said it provides for the suppression of military news "Vfith a double penalty if such news is ! supplied to a foreign country. Provision is made for the Government to take control of every industry connected with the defences, including aviation and wireless services. . . i