THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

Hastings Standard, Issue 325, 18 May 1897, Page 3

THE GRECO-TURKISH WAR.

GREEKS SOLDIERS DESERTING DOMOKU. THE DUKE OF SPARTA COMMANDED TO HOLD HIS POSITION. LA?£& DETAILS OF THE FIGHT AT GRIFORO. THE POWERS OPPOSE THE TURKISH DEMANDS. GERMANY TURKEY'S ONLY SUPPORT. (/Yr Pi-** "-i« f i<ni—< ''.joiii'tltt). Athens, May 17. The soldiers are deserting in large numbers from Domoku. The Government has ordered the Duke of Sparta to make a final stand there, and not to retreat whatever happens. The Greek advance in Epirus was checked after several days' fighting iii the vicinity of Arta. The Foreign Embassies have assured M. Ralli that the Powers will prevent the Turks lighting if Greece remains on the defensive. M. Ralli has therefore instructed the Greeks at Domoku, Arta, and Sourpi to remain on the defensive. Later details of the fighting at Griforo shew that the Greek position faced two heights, which were held by the Turks. On Friday while the big gun at Arta played upon the Turks" position the Greeks gallantly swarmed the hillside in the face of a murderous fire and captured the first position. The Turks were then reinforced, and compelled the Greeks to retire to Arta. Constantinople, May 17. The Porte regards the Greek march npon -Janina as indicating that the request for mediation was not sincere. The Turkish demands with regard to mediation includes the abolition of the capitulations, not the absolute capitulation of the Greek forces. London, May 17. The Powers oppose the demands of Turkey. The Times' correspondent at Vienna wires that an impression prevails that the Porte has made excessive demands which is partly due to Germany's support of Turkey. All the Powers will refuse to entertain or even discuss the demands, and the more promptly they are rejected the better prospect of it having a salutary effect on the war party. The Times states that the only Greek forces remaining on Turkish territory are the body of volunteers under Colonel Botzari. They are proceeding to the coast.