ITALY AND TURKEY.

Lyttelton Times, Volume CXXIII, Issue 15861, 26 February 1912, Page 7

ITALY AND TURKEY.

TRIPOLI ANNEXATION BILL. United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. ROME, February 24. The Chamber amid enthusiasm ratified the annexation of Tripoli by 423 to 9. There was a popular demonstration before the Chainber and the Quirinal and the King and Ministers were accorded ovations. LONDON, February 24. The " Times" states that there is reason to believe that Britain supports Italy's views regarding tho right to utilise Eritrean troops.

ITALIANS AT BEIRUT.

TURKISH VESSELS SUNK.

TOWN SAID TO HAVE BEEN BOMBARDED. (Received February 26, 12.25 a.m.) ROME, February 25. It i 3 semi-offioially reported that the gunboat Volturno and the warship Garibaldi were sent to Beirut, a seaport in Syria, to destroy two warships which were facilitating the shipment of contraband and endangering transports. Instructions were given that Beirut was not to be bombarded. CONSTANTINOPLE, February 25. Messages state that the Italian warships demanded the surrender of tho corvete Amillah and a torpedo boat and before a reply could be given, sank both. Neither was under steam. The Custom House and harbour buildings were damaged. The bombardment created a panic and many fled to Lebanon. Others were forced to take refuge in the armoury, where they armed themselves, and there were some disturbances in tho town. Altogether fifteen persons were killed and a hundred were wounded. \