CREEK ADVANCE CHECKED

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XLII, Issue 9594, 31 August 1921, Page 5

CREEK ADVANCE CHECKED

I AN OBSCURE SITUATION. 1 (Per Press Association, Copyright.) i CONSTANTINOPLE, August 29. I The situation on the Anatolian front lis obscure. ; It is reported that the Greeks have been brought up before the Turkish defences east of the river Sakaria, which are very strongly held by considerable forces, with abundant reserves. Consequenty, the Greeks are advancing with great caution. The fighting hitherto has been, apparently, on a small scale, except 'when the Greeks forced the passage of the Sakaria river m the face of a determined (resistance by the Turks. At present it is not certain whether the Turks will hold the Sakaria defences or retire to Angara. A later message reports that the Turks claim success after a fierce two days' fight north-east of the. salt desert. The Greek attempt to pierce the Turkish front broke down. * The Turks then took the offensive and captured Biledjik, and are continuing to advance. If this report is correct, the Greek flank and communications are seriously threatened.