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Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 112, 1 November 1911, Page 5

Italians Utterly Routed Lose 5000 Killed and 7000 Prisoners Turks' and Arabs' Daring Attack A Further Battle Imminent By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. Received 31,10.30 p.m. CONSTANTINOPLE, October 31. The rumors of Turkish successes and the recapture of part of Tripoli town have elated the public. Ahmed Riza informed the Chamber of Deputies that unofficial information stated the Italians had been utterly routed, losing five thousand killed jand seven thousand prisoners, with ninety-five guns, thirty-five machine guns, and great quantities of war material. The yi&r Office is unable to confirm the reports, but there are «nthusiastic processions in the streets. A COMPLETE SURPRISE. ITALIANS' COMMUNICATIONS CUT. DETERMINED AND COURAGEOUS ONSLAUGHT. TURKS AND ARABS MOWN DOWN. ITALIANS CHARGE WITH BAYONETS. Received 31, 10.10 p.m. TRIPOLI, October 31. The attack on Tripoli and the Arab uprising came as a complete surprise. The impression prevailed that the Turks were sixty miles inland. Aeroplane reconnaissances revealed a large force of Turks and Arabs fifteen miles south-east of the town. Subsequently three groups were reported on the 23rd inst. four mile's distant, advancing vapidly. A great drawback to the operations was that an oasis many square ,miles in extent was lying between the outpost line and Tripoli, consisting of residences and gardens, and also dwellings, a large portion of the native population and enemy occupying them. They could thus cut the army's communications and attack the front and rear of the Italians, who relied on General Canevas' proclamation, which allowed the Arabs to remain at the oasis. It is now known that retreating Turks armed everybody in the oasis, and .when the Bersaglieri were repelling the attack on their front on the 23rd, swarms of Arabs from the oasis attacked Tyen, at the rear of the Bersaglieri, who were obliged to face both ways, and lost heavily. Many were massacred whilst proceeding along the roads through the oasis to join their comrades in front. . The Arabs repeatedly attempted to penetrate the outpost line to join the Arabs in the oasis. An insurrection occurred simultaneously in the town on the 23rd. Arabs were caught shooting the soldiers, and were executed wholesale. The townspeople were seized with panic, and took refuge in the Consulates and on the seashore. The attacks on the outside of the towns were repulsed. The Turkish troops then retired. Desultory firing between the outposts continued from the 24th inst. to the 25th. The examination of all the Arabs found in the oasis was continued for three days. Many of the houses were blown up. The biggest and most determined onslaught on the outer line was made on the 26th. It was pressed with admiral courage, but the Italian infantry reserved its fire until the assailants were within fifty yards. They then swept them away by steady volleys, finally making a bayonet charge. The Italians, finding their line to extensive, withdrew for a mile. Meanwhile the Turks were largely reinforced. Izzet Pasha has assumed supreme command of the Turkish and Aral) forces. A further battle is imminent. ITALIANS' FURTHER REINFORCEMENTS AN ARMY OF 100,00 i. GOVERNMENT SUPPRESSING NEWS OF REVERSE. Received 31. 10.30 p.m. ROME, October 31. Leading newspapers announce thai more reservists have been summoned to make the army of occupation a hundred thousand. Many still believe that the Government is suppressing facts relating to the casualties, preferring !<> allow the details to filter slowly through, owing to the excitable temperament of the nation.

THE POSITION- CRITICAL. ITALIANS DRIVEN BACK. SLAUGHTER OF WOMEN" AND CHILDREN'. London. October :KI. The Turkish attacks on Tripoli were more stubborn than the Italians adniii. European refugees assert that the position is critical. Turkish papers state that Tripoli has been recaptured. One alleges that the Turks on Saturday drove the Italians hack to the city, the latter losing three hundred killed and seven hundred wounded. Malta. October .*io. Details of last Monday's fight Miow that the Italians suppressed the risin" with the utmost severity, wiping out au

nl children were killed. Renter's coiTos|>ondent was not ; wed to enter lieiighazi. lint learn. ;it the bombardment on the ]Htli d mifti~i- damage, nearly :i(l() civilians, i London, October 30. It is ollicially announced that from Hi.' -i.-ircl to the 2flth the Italian losses lit Tripoli were II! ollieers and ofil men killed, and ](i ollieers and 142 men wounded. The ])re|)onderanee killed is due to the fact that a hand of rebel Arabs suddenly attacked the fWsMrri;,.,-; Ilcutor estimates that 4(100 Arabs wore illed in the fighting or subsequently hot between the 23rd and 27th.