SEVERE FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER.

Press, Volume LIV, Issue 9703, 15 April 1897, Page 6

SEVERE FIGHTING ON THE FRONTIER.

A TURKISH BATTALION EOUTED. SUCCESS OF GREEK IRREGULARS. ENGLAND'S POLICY. DEBATE IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright Athens, April 18. Baltino was captured by the Greek irregulars after a desperate resistance. The Turkish garrison escaped during the night. A battalion which was Bent to relieve the town was surrounded, and routed with heavy loss. The Greeks have cut the telegraph lines communicating with Grevana »nd Janina, in Albania. A £orce of 1000 Greek volunteers evaded the efforts of Delyannis to intercept them, and crossed the frontier. It is their intention to endeavour to occupy Janina. April 14. The maintenance of the army is Bosfcing Greece half a million drachmas daily, and the financial strain is too beavy for the country to bear. Constantinople, April 14. The Sol tan has issued orders to mobilise 14,000 Albanian irregular troops. London, April 18. In the House of Commons, Sir W. V. Havcourt moved the presentation of an address to the Queen urging that Great Britain should not employ force against either Greece or Crete. In the House of Commons, Mr Balfcrai said that Great Britain, by acting in concert with the Powers, had done more for freedom and peace than was otherwise possible. If the Opposition proposed a policy of isolation the Government would offer facilities for debating the question. Sir W. V. Harcourt's motion was Begatived by a majority of 161. April 14. 'In connection with the fighting on the Turco-Grecian frontier, it is currently believed that Greece, fearing that after the warning given by the Powers she may appear to be the aggressor, is utilising irregular troops raised by the National League to compel Turkey to declare war.