BRITAIN AND TURKEY.

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXVIX, Issue 8135, 9 May 1906, Page 5

BRITAIN AND TURKEY.

THE PORTE STILL DILATORY. Received May 8, 8.11 u.m. LONDON, May 7. The Porte's tactics since Britain issued her ultimatum, demanding the withdrawal of Turkish troops from the disputed territory, are still dilatory. The German press, despite the Government's correct attitude, accuse Britain of land-grabbing in the Sinai Peninsula. THE PORTE'S CONTENTIONS. Reoeived May 8. 10.37 p.m. LONDON, May 8. In the House of Commons Sir Edward Grey, in reply to Mr A. J. Balfour, reviewed the events in connection with Tabah and inland Faraon, and said that the Poite contended, firstly, that Akaba and Sinai Peninsula were outside the territory defined iu 1892; secondly, that the Grand Vizier's telegram of April Bth, 1892, only referred to the western side of the peninsula, thirdly, that the interpretation of the telegram ooncerned the Porte alone. Such demands, if admitted, would constitute a real danger to the freedom of the Suez Canal, the liberties of Egypt and the Khedival dynasty. He emphasised Britain's patience and moderation. It was, however, impossible to defer the settlement of the question indefinitely. Hence Britain's pressing of the original demand to join in the delimitation of the frontier wbioh was confirmed by the presentation of the Note requesting a favourable reply in ten days. It was important that the frontier should remain as it existed, undisputed and undisturbed, for many years previous to British occupation. The speeoh was greeted with general cheers. ,

CRUISERS SUDDENLY ORDERED TO SEA. ' Reoeived May 8, 11.26 p.m. LONDON, May 8. The oruisers Amethyst and Arpgant, at Gibraltar, have been suddenly ordered to sea, presumably to the Levant. There are .fourteen British warships at Phalerum. In the House of Commons, Mr Runoiman, in reply to Mr Lonsdale, announced that "Germany has informed us that the statements .that the Porte's action regarding the Egyptian frontier had received any encouragement from Germany are unfounded." The announcement was reoeived with Ministerial cheers. TURKEY SENDING REINFORCEMENTS .-..■■ TO AKABA AND TABAH. Reoeived May 9,12.15 a.m. LONDON, Mayß. Turkey is sending artillery and reinforcements to Akaba and Tabah.