Greece and Turkey.

Manawatu Herald, 6 May 1897, Page 2

Greece and Turkey.

The German warship Kaiserin Augusta and the British warship Pelorus will protect the Royal family in the event of their being in a position of extreme danger. M. Delyannis, ex-Premier, who was dismissed from office by the King, has promiised to support M. Ralli, who formed a Coalition Ministry, so long as the Turks occupy an inch of Greek territory, Colonel Smolensk! and a force of 15,000 Greeks, defeated 9000 Turks at Velesfcino, repulsing three charges of the Turkish cavalry, and decimating one regiment. The expulsion of the Greeks from Turkey has been delayed for a week. M. Balli, Premier, is anxious to sodu're a fortnight's armistice, though he hesitates to propose it. M. Delyannis, ex-Premier, de* dares that the King refused to Withdraw from Crete or accept an amended frontier. The ex-Minister of Marina complains that the King is responsible for the ineffectiveness of the fleet. His Majesty having secretly altered the plans of attack. The Times correspondent, describ ing the fighting which occurred at Pentipigadia, states that the outposts of the Greek array occupied a strong position commanding the Janina road, but owing to some neglect reinforcements were not sent. The Turks, who numbered 6000, kept up a terrific fire, and subsequently scaled the mountain. While conducting this operation they availed themselves of the cover of the bushes and rocks. The Greek commander gave the order to his force to retreat, and the troops walked away slowly and with angry looks. Botzari, a Greek officer, vainly attempted to- check the rout, but discipline failed, and the strong out posts were abandoned. A sullen stream of 7000 joined in the retreat. * The Arta roads were filled with panic-stricken peasants, and scenes similar to those enacted at the evacuation of Lariasa were witnessed. Edhem Pasha telegraphed that the engagement . at Velestino was serious, and that the Turks captured three forts and four entrenched positions from the Greeks. Edhem adds that the Greeks are now retiring from Volo. I It is stated that Greece is hopelessly unprepared to conduct a campaign. She has no reserves of cannon, rifles, cartridges, or uniforms. The Greek forces at Phersala and Dornokos, about ten miles to the south, are drawn up in battle order. Residents of Phersala had fled from town. Seventeen hundred troops of smart soldierly bearing will reinforce the troops in Epirus. Ihese troops are under the leader* ship of a beautiful girl, who acts as standard-bearer.