Albanian Affairs.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LVII, Issue 23, 17 June 1914, Page 5

Albanian Affairs.

A BRUSH WITH THE INSURGENTS. COLONEL' THOMSON'S DEATH,

ALBANIANS DISLIKE CLOSE QUARTERS.

By Cable—Press Association—Copyright Received 10, 10.30 p.m.

Durazzo, June 10. Tiie guard at the head of a bridge over a canal near the tov»u was surprised by insurgents and driven in. Reinforcements, consisting of the Malissori, were sent, and they held the trenches on either side of the road.

A furious fire was maintained, and much ammunition wasted.

Colonel Thompson urged the defenders to leave the trenches and advance. He showed them the way, and-several followed, but promptly returned to the trenches. The Colonel was hit in tile neck and fell in the open, but no Albanian went to his assistance. Tiro Europeans carried him to his house, where, he died a few minutes later. The defence of the Prince of Wicd's residence and the Legations lias been assigned to Italian sailors.

THE INSURGENTS REPULSED.

Durazzo, June 15.

The insurgents kept up an incessant artillery and rifle lire. The position at the outset was serious, but the insurgents were repulsed after several hours. When Colonel Thomson was killed the Prince of Weid assumed command.

THE PASSAGE OF m DARDAN-

Bucharest, June 15,

The Czar and Imperial family have arrived at Constanza. The meeting of the Czar and the King was most cordial. /

The Russian and Roumanian Foreign Ministers exchanged views.

It is understood that among the questions discussed was the necessity for such regulations regarding the Straits as would enable Russian grain exporters to rely absolutely upon freedom of passage of the Bosphorus and Dardanelles. This question, which was revived by Turkey closing the straits in 1912, assumes importance owing to the Russian Government's projected control of Russia's grain production in order to increase its volume.