SWEEPING FOR MINES IN THE NARROWS

Dominion, Volume 8, Issue 2406, 11 March 1915, Page 5

SWEEPING FOR MINES IN THE NARROWS

TURKS USING FIELD GUNS

OVERWHELMING FIRE OF QUEEN ELIZABETH

By Telegraph—Press Association-Copyright ■■ - • (lleo. March 10, 6.15 p.m.) : • London,' March 10-.-/The "Petit Parisieii" states that the mine-sweepers in..the Dardanelles, protected by the French squadron, are destroying, five tows!'of mines-in the vicinity of Ohanak (in the Narrows). The Turks Have replaced-their silenced' lotteries with field-guns, the shrapnel from which are causing insignificant damage. .. The battleship Queen Elizabeth,delivered an irresistible reply with overwhelming, effectiveness at" 12,000 .yards range.—"Times" and. Sydney ,'iSun" services. 1

• RUSSIAN WARSHIP- TO LEAD THE PROCESSION. , ■ Petrograd, March 9. The Russian cruiser. Askold has been invited to take the Russian flag into the Dardanelles ahead of the Allies.

CONSTANTINOPLE PEOPLE D O NOT TRUST THEIR'GOVERNMENT. -

London, March 9. According to refugees, the populace of Constantinople refuses to believe the Turkish Government's assurances that the city "is safe.. ' ■ : A sister of the Sultan has died of apoplexy.' •

TURKISH LAND TROOPS CONCENTRATING.

(Rec. March 10, 6.15 p.m.)

~, , L—, .• , * ' London, March 10, Two Turkish Army Corps liave arrived at the capital from Adrianoplo.

ABDUL HAMID REGAINS HIS FREEDOM,

(Rec. March 10, 6.15 p.m.)

It is reported from Bucharest that Abdul Hamid, gained his freedom. It is believed that a dramatic coup is imminent.

RUSSO-TURKISH CAMPAIGN, IN THE CAUCASUS

IMPORTANT SUCCESS IN TRANS-CHOROK REGION:

Petrograd, March 9. A communique states: We occupied an important position in the TraxisChorok region, throwing back the Turks south-westwards with heavy Josses." tit was recently stated that the Russians had captured Khopa (or Choppa) the nearest Turkish, port to the Russian Black Sea frontier, a phase of ths operations in l the mountainous Trans-Chorok regibn, which marks the coast' boundary between the Russian aid Turkish territory.]

Advices from Tiflis state that the Russians have driven ' the Turkish troops from Khoi;southwards, inflicting heavy losses. Since the beginning of tlie war the Russians have taken prisoner 18,016 Turks. , [Khoi/in Turkish is between 30 and 40 miles north of Lake tfrumia, on the left flank of tho Russian offensive 'in the Caucasian campaign.]

THE ABORTIVE ADVANCE IN EGYPT

DJEHAL PASHA'S VERS lON OF CANAL ATTACK

> j j m , Cairo, March 9. Djemal Pasha, who commanded the Turkish expedition into Egypt, in a. dispatch to Constantinople describes the Canal affair as a reconnoitring exploit, in which he had hoped to make a stand until the main body of troops had arrived. 'He adds that the Turks had crossed the Canal and bayoneted tho enemy when a sandstorm interfered with the operations. "Sis cruisers at Timsah opened a horrible flanking fire, and armoured trains used their quickfirers, but in spite of this we fought a pitched battle for thirtv hours. Success was on our side. Then we retired calmly.'

THE ENEMY IN PERSIA

(Roc. March 10, 6.15 p.m.)

London, March 10. A report from Calcutta declares that the enemy in Persia is composed almost entirely of Arabs. There are coinparntivclv f<?iv " v j'ks.—("Times" and Svduav. "Sun" Sarrir.es.)

GREEP CABINET AND THE WAR

PUBLIC AGITATION FOE INTERVENTION. London, March 9. News of the resignation of tho Greek Cabinet was received with considerable surprise. Since M. Veiiizclos has dominated Greek politics lie has displayed pronounced leanings towards the Entente. , The Greek Press urge3_ intervention in the ivar, pointing out that Greek interests will suffer by persistence in neutrality.—"Times" and Sydney "Sun" Services. Brisbane, March 10. : A meeting of Greeks has cabled to M. Venizelos: "Queensland Greeks heartily appreciate your policy." v ;

"NEUTRAL" PREMIER FORMS A CABINET,

(Rec. March 10, 9 p.m.)

Athens, March 10. M. Gournais 'has formed a Cabinet. His leanings are towards the Triple Entente. b

"The Times's" correspondent says: "The new Premier is one of the most distinguished of the Younger Greeks. > His foreign policy will be based on neutrality, marked by a favourable disposition towards Servia."

(Rec. March 11, 0.60 a.m.)

... . . Athens, March 10. _ M. Gounarts will combine the Premiership with the portfolio of War. His leading colleagues are pronounced partisans of the Entente Powers.

GREEK CRISIS REACTS ON BULGARIA

MINISTERS DIVIDED ON THE QUESTION.

London, March 9. The newspaper "Echo de Paris" reports a crisis at Sofia similar to that in Cfreece. The King and tho Stamboulists overthrew M. Radostavoff (Prime Minister and Minister .for Foreign Affairs) because he urged action against Turkey and the ocoupation of Adrianople. The Stamboulists fear the risk of opposing Germany and Austria. Reuter's Sofia correspondent reports intense interest in the Bulgarian capital regarding the Grecian crisis. It is considered it will have far-reaching results, and that M. Venizelos's return to office is only a question of days.

DEFINITE STATEMENT PROMISED AT SECRET SESSION.

Londonf March 9. The "Daily Mail s Sofia correspondent states that the Bulgarian Premier has promised to make a definite statement regarding the Government policy at a secret Parliamentary session •

AUSTRIAN VIEW OF ITALY'S NEUTRALITY.

(Rec. March 11, 0.55 a.m.)

London, March 10. t Dr. Dillon, tho well-known authority on Near Eastern affairs, writing from fwjmo, states that the indications are that Austria is assuming Italy's neutrality to be of short duration, and is pieparing for an alternative policy.