WAR.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXIII, Issue 1051, 3 October 1911, Page 2

WAR.

ITALY AGAINST TURKEY,

TRIPOLI TAKEN

London, Sept. 30. The Daily Mail’s correspondent at Tripoli reports that an Italian destroyer, carrying a white entered the port and the garrison to surrender. The authorities declined the summons.

Tripoli was occupied at three yesterday afternoon. The entry of the troops was unopposed. Italy’s declaration of war caused the utmost surprise in London, where Turkey’s reply to the ultimatum created a hopeful feeliug. Constantinople, Sept. 30. The Agence Ottoman publishes an urgent telegram from Tripoli stating that Italian troops had lauded and hoisted the Italian flag on the Government buildings. The newspapers shortly afterwards published a report that the Turks sank the first two barges which were about to land troops. London, Sept. 30.

Reuter’s agent at Salonika reports that an Italian cruiser sank a destroyer in the harbour of Peveza and landed troops. Berlin, Oct. x.

The entire German press, commenting on the ultimatum before the sequel was known, vehemently denounced Italy’s precipitate action.

The Berliner Post insists that Britain must have incited Italy and that the British press’ condemnation of the action is sheer hypocrisy.

CAUSE OF THE WAR

London, Sc Information from Italiadescribes the crises as the

a long series of excesses imposition upon Italians in -very part of the Turkish Empire, coupled with vexatious ueE :> and denials of justice for insults

One incident cited is that Italian girl, who was abductcu 10 Adana and compelled to marry . Mohammedan.

Further, it is said the Turkish authorities on the Red Sea Arabian coast always adopt a violent and provocative attitude.

Several official acts of piracy against Italians are recorded, also crimes, including murder. Turkey represents that Italyaction is an attempt to realise long cherished ambitions. In 1903-she vainly asked the Porte to grant all concessions and public works in Tripoli to Italians, which was synonomous with declaring a protectorate. Turkey recognised Italy’s economic interests and the majority of the concessions were given to Italians. The Bank of Rome is quoted as an instance. Washington, Oct. 1.

The declaration of war between' Italy and Turkey, coming practically without notice, created a sensation. It is officially stated that the situation is regarded as the natural sequence oi the Franco-German Moroccan negotiations. The Government will keep clear of the struggle.

Vienna, Octobers. It is reported that negotiations between Turkey and Italy will begin under Germany’s auspices ca the basis of a protectorate or the occupation of Tripoli, the administration remaining in the Sultan’s name.

AN ESTIMATE OF FORCES.

Rome, October x.

The Italian fleet, in all directions in the Eastern Mediterranean, is protecting trade and preventing an attack by the Turks. A long line of transports is on its way to Tripoli. The expeditionary force comprised eight regiments of infantry, two regiments of Bersaglieri sharp shooters, and 2500 additional cavalry and artillery engineers.

The Italians estimate that there are 6000 Turkish infantry and 5000 cavalry at Tripoli, and a score of field guns, in addition to 15,000 Arab infantry, and 2800 cavalry.

The Duke of D’Abruzzi, who is. iu charge of the Italian fleet, is closely watching Preveza, to prevent the escape of the Turkish destroyer which took refuge there.

OPENING FIRE. ITALIANS AND TRIPOLI FORTS. Telegrams from Tripoli state that at r 0.30 o’clock in the morumg the Italian fleet opened fire on the forts. The Europeans aboard the merchant steamers are safe, and the cruisers Ferruccio-Farese and Garibaldi are blocking the coast and seizing the small craft, including fishing boats, which are suspected of spying. The fishermen, when captured, implored the Italians to release them, saying that they were ready to recognise the sovereignity of any Power if only left in peace.

Rome, October i. The concentration, preparatory to embarking, of expeditionary troops, has been proceeding for some time with the utmost enthusiasm, the officers drawing tftfj as to who should go.