FIGHTING IN TRIPOLI

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 135, 29 November 1911, Page 5

FIGHTING IN TRIPOLI

BLOCKADING THE DARDANELLES. By Cable— l'ress Association—Copyright. Constantinople, November 27. Though Turkey is improving the defences of the Dardanelles, she relies upon the Powers objecting, as the operation of blockading the Dardanelles contradicts Italy's public declaration that hostilities would be restricted to Tripoli and Cyrenaica. TURKS' HEAVY LOSSES. Tripoli, November 27. There was fighting all day on Sunday at the oasis. The Turks and Arabs wore strongly entrenched, but the Italians gained ground, garden by garden, and house by house. The Itdians occupied Fort Mesri in the vi.ll.igc of Henui and eastward at Hamideah. The Turkish losses in killed, wounded and prisoners' are estimated to be three thousand.

AN EXPENSIVE WAR. London, November 27. The Times states that the war is costing Italy .£2,500,000 per month. OFFICIAL NEWS. BOMBS FROM AEROPLANES. It is> the custom of the Italian authorities to keep their Consuls and CoisularAgents in different parts of the world posted an the latest war news, and for the last mail or two Mr. Roland T. Robertson, Consular-Agent for Italy in Wellington, has been in receipt of advice from Italy as to the progress of the war with Turkey. This advice is transmitted from the Italian War Office to the Ambassador in London, who cables the messages to the Vice-Consul for Italy (Signor S. Ferrandy) at Melbourne, and in turn he mails the messages to the Consular-Agent here for the benefit of the Italian residents of Wellington. The following are copies of the messages received so for by Mr. Robertson, which differ materially from the Press Association messages of corresponding dates:— "Tripoli, November C. "This morning enemy's artillery opened fire on our eastern line. Our artillery answered, forcing the enemy to cease fire in the afternoon. An attack on our- left wing was driven back by the ,11th Company of Grandtieri, which dislodged the enemy, who were barricaded, audi demolished by our field artillery. this small action regular Turks were employed at a- distance. Arabs are dissatisfied with the Turks and many acts of revolt have been reported. "Turkish caravans carrying foods were plundered by Arabs. Two of our aeroplanes yesterday dropped- bombs on the enemy, locating the command l which, is situated at Sukeljona Horns Suairav '"Calm news from Bengasi. Our authority is near Barca Alitipiano. Turks have taken refuge at Elokiar. The situation at Berna and Tobruck is unchanged. Generals Frugoni and Chaurand arrived in Tripoli. Troops are continually arriving, and arc anxious to go to the front. "Tripoli is retaking its normal aspect. By a decree issued by the Governor civil and commercial courts have been resumed." ADVANCE ON THE OASIS.

"Tripoli, November fi. "Yesterday's attack by the Turks has not bsen carried on any further. These inconclusive Turkish actions, beside having politic scope, are perhaps aimed at 011(1- definitive works of concentration, which arc going on with perfect tranquility and steadiness, according to our prearranged plan. "On arrival of reinforcements it was decided to advance on the Western Oasis. To-day the Fifth Brigade, commanded by General Cliiiiirand, composed of the 93rd and 18th Infantry Regiments, advanced on the Haniidieh Fortress, which was immediately occupied by our mountain and field iirtillery. "Everywhere the enemy is driven back in great disorder, without regaining their lost positions. -Our soldiers, are in very high spirits. "City people have reassumed their normal occupations and business is going on as before. News of rebtJlion amongst Turks and Arabs are reported by those who surrendered. Horns is calm. M. Benghosi, one of our Cavalry Squadron, made a night reconnaisftnee, surprising the enemy and capturing two guns,with miuc-h ammunition. The Turks have retired to the hills. At Derna all is well." TRIPOLI ANNEXED. "Tripoli, November 8. "In yesterday's reconnaisance from Hamidieh to Sciorasciat, the Eight Company of the !)3rd Infantry Regiment provoked a brisk attack, which ended in the Turks retreating, leaving on the field 50 dead, while wo only had 30 wounded. This battle happened outside our fortification range. "X)ur commander at Horns has seut a report of a most brilliant success by our troops between October 23 ami 2rt, the enemy .being totally defeated. "At Derna. and Tobruk there have been insignificant fights, with no loss, whatever on our side. "General Cancva yesterday in Tripoli proclaimed before the native and Imperial authorities the annexation of Tripolitania and Cirenaica by the Kingdom of Italy."

ITALIANS DECAPITATED. ' "Tripoli, November 8. "Besides the 93rd Infantry, the 11th Beraiglieri yesterday made a reconnaissance of the eastern front, and found dead and wounded amongst the Arabs, with a few dead Turks. "To-day our artillery at Sidimesri dislodged the enemy's troops. Companies of Beraiglieri and Gramatieri also made reconnaissance on the east, and found two of our soldiers decapitated. "The battleship Sardegna arrived from Horns, bringing good news of out strong position there. "The Ame.ric.!iai cruiser Chester arrived j yesterday in Tripoli with orders to take the American Consul on board, owinn- to fails* Turkish news that Tripoli was going to be retaken. The Chester left last evening without the Consul, who informed his Government that Tripoli was very quiet, and that foreigners wore well protected, and therefore refused to leave Tripoli." TURKISH TREACHERY. "Tripoli, November 10. "Yesterday the 18th, Regiment and today the 11th Bcrswglieri made counter attacks, very effective, close to enemy's entrenchments. Arabs driven iback from the east to the west. An infantry battalion advanced towards Znnzur without opposition. On the centre Squadron Lodi made reconnaissance towards Aiuzara. Treacherous Arab attacks are I daily reported along side troops. Our navy made reconnaissance towards coast,

discovering and scattering several cara- | vans escorted by the enemy's' troops. Have destroyed barracks close to ftomli. At Benbhosi, Derna, Tebruek, and; Horns all well. "Are studying organisation, and public health service in the town of Tripoli. To-day Turkish and l Arab troops with their artillery attacked our left wing and were completely driven back with , loss. Tripoli, November 11. ■"Our King's birthday solemnly celebrated. Chief Arabs expressed) eentimieiitaJ homage to our august Sovereign. Money given away to the poor. November 12. "Yesterday two ploton of Granatier. were attacked by Arabs and were driven back with seven wounded. Information to hand states that 400 Turkish Infaatrj have arrived at Ainzaira from Garian. . "Turkish troops a.re now close to Tri poli with some -field gun*, tout ammain. tion is scarce. Turks h«ve been noted also at ilomsuara. At Horns all is well.