TURCO-ITALIAN WAR.

Mataura Ensign, 1 November 1911, Page 6

TURCO-ITALIAN WAR.

THE INVASION OF TRIPOLI. A SCENE OF CARNAGE. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.— COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. TRIPOLI, Oct. 31. The attack on Tripoli and the Arab uprising came as a complete surprise. The impression prevailed that the Turks were 60 miles inland, but aeroplane j reconnaisances revealed a largo force |of Turks and Arabs at Masry, 15 miles south-east. Subsequently three groups were reported on the 23rd inst, four miles distant, advancing rapidly. A great drawback to operations was an oasis, many miles square in extent, lying between the outpost line and Tripoli, consisting of residences and gardens, also the dwellings of a large portion of the native population. The enemy, by occupying this place, could cut the army's communications and attack both front and rear. The Italians relied on the Vanevas proclamation and allowed the Arabs to remain at the oasis. When the Bersaglieris were repelling an attack on their front on the 23rd swarms of Arabs from the oasis attacked Tyen in the rear. The Bersaglieris were obliged to face both ways and lost heavily. Many were massacred when proceeding along the roads through the oasis to join their comrades in the front. The Arabs repeatedly attempted to penetrate the outpost line and join the Arabs in the oasis. An intersection occurred simultaneously in the town on the 23rd. Arabs were caught shooting soldiers and were executed wholesale. The townspeople, seized with panic, took refuge in the Consulates and on the seashore. Attacks outside the town were repulsed and the Turkish troops retired. Desultory firing between the outposts was continued on the 24th and 25th, and the extermination of all Arabs found in the oasis continued for three days. Many houses were blown up. The biggest and most determined onslaught on the outer lines was made on the 26th. The enemy advanced with admirable courage, but the Italian infantry reserved their fire until their assailants were within 50 yards and then swept them away with steady volleys, finally making a bayonet charge. The Italians, finding their line too extensive, withdrew a' mile. Meanwhile the Turks were largely reinforced and Izzet Pasha assumed supreme command. A further battle is imminent. REJOICING IN TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 31. Rumors of Turkish successes and the capture of a part of Tripoli town have elated the public.

Ahmed Riza informed the Chamber that unofficial information stated the Italians had been utterly routed, losing 5000 killed, 7000 prisoners, 95 guns, 35 machine guns, and great quantities of war material. 1 The War Office was unable to confirm this, but tho people made enthusiastic processions through the streets. MORE ITALIAN RESERVISTS. HOME, Oct. 31. A leading newspaper announces that more reservists have been summoned to make the army of occupation 100,000 strong. Many people still believe that the Government is suppressing facts relating to casualties, prefering to allow details to filter through slowing owing to the excitable temperament of the nation.