THE ALBANIAN RISING

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 35, 4 August 1911, Page 5

THE ALBANIAN RISING

MORE TURKISH PROMISES. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 3, 10 p.m. London, Lusust 3. The Porte has agreed to amnesty the Malissori participating in the revolt, to the remission of taxes for two years, the establishment of schools wherein the Albanian language shall be taught, compensation for damaged houses, and also the granting of money and food to assist the Albanians through the winter.

Ample evidence exists to show that the Albanian refugees have good reason for not returning to their homes, murder and outrage by the Turkish troops being j prevalent throughout the country. Information >was received at Cettinjc on 20th. June that forty houses had been burnt that day in the district of Rikhai. One of the last acts of Horgut Slievket Pasha, the Turkish Commander, lately recalled for his excessive severity, was to issue the following proclamation: "Compatriots.—Ever since its foundation the Ottoman Government has been accustomed to lavish its clemency upon all its subjects without distinction of race or religion* Accordingly by Imperial Irade a period of ten days, beginning on the sth (18th) of June, is granted to the Malissori who revolted, to deliver up their arms. Those who, appreciating the sentiment of moderation and magnanimity on the part of the Imperial Government towards the Malissori. submit and deliver up their arms during this period will be exempted from judicial prosecution for acts which brought about the military operations. Moreover, our august Sovereign, in his sentiments of lofty generosity, has deigned to distribute £IO,OOO to make good the inevitable losses caused by the military operations. Furthermore, suitable measures will be adopted to ensure the welfare and prosperity of the inhabitants of the=e districts, account being taken of local conditions as well asi events. It need not Jic stated that submission will be accepted during the ten days above mentioned, and that after this period military operations will of necessity be resumed against those who remain in arms on Ottoman territory. The Malissori who have taken refuge in Montenegro cannot avail themselves of this amnesty after the expiration of this period, and should act accordingly." Previous experiences justify the tribesmen in refusing to accept the Turkish promises at their face value.