ITALY AND TURKEY

Wairarapa Age, Volume XXXII, Issue 10465, 1 November 1911, Page 5

ITALY AND TURKEY

vigorous Fighting at Tripoli

THE TURKS DETERMINED.

(Received Last Niglit, 10.10 o'clock.) TRIPOLI, October 31.

The attack on Tripoli and thr Arab uprising came as a complete surprise to the Italians. I An impression prevailed that the Turks were sixty milesi inland. | Aeroplane reoonnaisanoes revealed, a large force of Turks and Arabs at Masry, fifteen miles south-east. Subsequently thfree groups were reported on October 23rd to he four miles distant, and advancing rapidly - v A great drawback in the operations ■was an oasis of many square miles in extent, lying between the outpost line and Tripoli, consisting, of residences, 'gardens, and also the dwellings of a larjge portion of the native' population. The enemy occupying this could cut off the army's communications, and attack from the. front and the rear. The Italians relied on Caneva's proclamation and allowed the' Arabs to remain in the oasis. Thesy -are now known to be retreating. v The Turks armed everybody in the ,®asis. 'When the Bersagliere w4re , repelling the attack on their front on the 23rd, .swarms of Arabsi from | the oasis attacked Teen's force at the rear.. The were obliged to face both ways, and lost heavily. Many were massacred. Proceeding -along the roads through the oasis to join their in the front, the Arabs repeatedly .attempted to penetrate the outpost line and join, the Arabs in the oasis. Aii insurrection occurred simultaneously in the town on the 23rd. Arabs were caught shooting soldiers and w e r6 , ex ;W^ The townspeople -were, seized with paiiicpamd took refugee in the Consulates and on the seashore. _ The attacks outside the town were repulsed. The Turkish troops then retired. Desultory firing between the outposts continued on the 24th and 25th..

The extermination of all the Arabs found in the oasis continued for three •days.

Many houses were blown up

The biggest and most determined onslaught on the outer line was made on the 26th.

It was jaressed with admirable courage, but the Italian infantry reserved their fire until the assailants Tt:ere within fifty yards, and then swept them away ; with steady volleys, . finally making a bayonet charge. The Italians, finding their line too extensive, withdrew for a mile.

Meanwhile the Turk® were largely reinforced. Izztet Pasha, has assumed supreme command. A further hattle is imminent.