FACE TO FACE.

Mataura Ensign, 2 November 1911, Page 5

FACE TO FACE.

Italo—Turkish firmies. TURKISH DEFEAT DENIED. CONFLICTING REPORTS. 37 ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. COPYRIGHT. PER UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION. Received November 2, 10.35 a.m. CONSTANTINOPLE, Nov. 1. Mahmud Shevket Pasha (Turkish Minister for War) in denying the story of the crushing defeat by the Italians states that the Turks recaptured several positions and that the armies are now face to face. TWO SIDES OF THE STORY. Reveived November 2, 9.30 a.m. LONDON, November 1. The Italian Embassy states that there' has beeen no fighting at Tripoli since the 26th \dt. The Turkish Embassy, however, asserts that the Turks penerated into Tripoli on the 25th and drove the Italians into the town next day. Fighting was renewed on the 28th, the Italians evacuating two forts. "ABOMINABLE DEEDS." Received November 2, 10.35 a.m. ROME, November 1. Indiscrininate slaughter at Tripoli is officially denied. It is asserted that the Arabs, after submitting, treacherously attacked the Italians in the rear. Only those carrying arms or who had undergone a regular trial were shot. Others favoring treachery, numbering 2200, were deported to Italian islands. In destroying the shelter oasis (outside Tripoli) care was taken to remove the inoffensive Arabs, women and children. ( On the other hand, it has been clearly established that the enemy committed abominable deeds on the wounded Italians. ITALIAN DEFEAT DENIED. ROME, November 1. Turkish reports of the defeat of Italians at Tripoli are officially declared to be baseless. ITALY AND A TREATY. THE DOMINIONS' POSITION. Received November 2, 8.5 a.m. LONDON, November 1. In the House of Commons Mr F. D. Acland (Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) in reply to a question regarding the treaty made by Italy in 1883 said that Great Britain was seeking to amend the treaty in order to secure the self-governing Dominions the power of separate withdrawal they enjoy in all recent treaties.