Turkey

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXVII, Issue 15, 18 May 1915, Page 5

Turkey

CONSTANTINOPLE NEWS. THE OPPORTUNITY AFFORDED BY GERMANY. TALAAT BEY’S OPTIMISM. .d , j j j j j; u’ ? Times and Sydney Sux Service. (Received 8 a.in.) London, May 17. A Times’ correspondent who was recently at Constantinople talked with Talaat Bey, who said there was only one political party in Turkey. He was desirous of victory so as to make the utmost of an exceptionally fine opportunity which Germany was affording. He would like the people outside to know that Turkey went to war on her own wilj and had not 'wen urged. Since the last war, he said, we have been waiting for an opportunity for revenge, and now it has come. The military situation is as good as the political, and we are able to resist the Allies’ fleet indefinitely It is probable the Powers will desist from their foolish attempts when they see they are losing warships and prestige in the East. The correspondent witnessed the Sultan’s visit to the mosque. He looked tired and feeble, and his face was pale, and the skin hung loose. He walked with an effort and acknowledged with a sad smile the bows of the people. The only decoration he wore was an Iron Cross. Arrivals at Athens declare that the situation at Constantinople is lamentable. The suburbs are short of provisions. Wounded from the Dardanelles are continually arriving, and stagger to the mosques to pray. Many die owing to improper treatment. The authorities, fearing a panic, have forbidden the relatives to visit the wounded.

ARMENIANS MASSACRED.

SEVEN THOUSAND DEAD AT VAN (Received 9.10 a.m.) London, May 17. Tlio Russian Consul at Urumiah states that seven thousand Armenians were massacred at Van.