THE WAR IN TRIPOLI.

Mataura Ensign, 29 November 1911, Page 2

THE WAR IN TRIPOLI.

ITALIAN CONSULAR ADVICES. RECENT ENGAGEMENTS. PEB UNITED I'IiKSS ASSOCIATION. WELLINGTON, Nov. 2S. From cables received by mail from the Vice-Consul for Italy by Mr Robertson, Italian Consul here, the following extracts are made : ENEMY DRIVEN BACK. TRIPOLI, Nov. 5. This morning the- enemy's artillery opened fire on our eastern line. Our artillery answered, forcing the enemy to cease fire. In the afternoon an attack on our loft wing was driven back by the 11th Company of Gramalieri, which dislodged the enemy, who were bombarded and demoralised by our field artillery. In tin's small action regular Turks were employed at a distance. The Arabs are dissatisfied with the Turks, and many acts of revolt have been reported. Turkish caravans, carrying foods, were plundered by Arabs. Two of our aeroplanes yesterday dropped bombs on the enemy, locating a command. Generals Frugoni and Chaurand have arrived in Tripoli. Tripoli is retaking its normal aspect. By decree issued by tho Governor, civil and commercial courts have been resumed.

"GREAT DISORDER."

TRIPOLI, Nov. G

Yesterday's attack by the Turks ha:-: not been carried on any further. These inconclusive Turkish actions, beside having politic scope, are perhaps aimed at our definite works of concentration, which are going on with perfect tranquility and steadiness according to our pre-arranged plan.

On tlio arrival of our reinforcements it was decided to advance on the western oasis. To-day the fifth brigade, commanded by General Chaurand, and .composed of the 93rd and 18th Tnfantry Regiments, advanced on Hamidieh fortress, which was immediately occupied by our mountain and field artillery. Everywhere the enemy is driven back m great disorder without regaining their lost positions. Our soldiers are in very high spirits. City people- have resumed ! their normal occupations and business is going on as before. Rebellion amongst the Arabs and Turks is reported by those who surrendered at Benghazi. One of our cavalry squadrons made a night roeoimaisance, surprising the enemy and capturing two guns with much ammunition. The Turks have retired to the liuis. ANNEXATION OF TRIPOLI. TRIPOLI, Nov. 8. In yesterday's recomiaisance from Hamidieh to iSciarasciat, the Eighth Company of the 93rd Infantry Regiment provoked a brisk attack, which ended in trie 'lurks retreating, leaving on the iiekl 50 dead, while we only had 30 wounded. This, battle happened outside our I'ortiiicai.i'on range.

Our commander at Hoius has sent a report of a most brilliant success by our troops between October 23 and 26, the enemy being totally defeated. General Caneva yesterday in Tripoli proclaimed before the native and Imperial authorities the annexation of J ripolitarn.i and Cyrenaica by tho Kingdom of ltalv.

FOREIGNERS PROTECTED

TRIPOLI, Nov. 9. To-day our artillery at Sidimesri dislodged tho enemy's troops. Companies of Bersaglieri and Gramalieri also made ;i reconnaisance on the east and found two of our soldiers decapitated. The American cruiser Chester arrived yesterday in Tripoli with orders to take the American Consul on board otviug to false Turkish news that Tripoli was going to bo retaken. The Chester left .last evening without the Consul, wi;o informed the Government that Tripoli [was very quiet, and that foreigners | were well protected, and therefore refused to leave.

TREACHEROUS ATTACKS. TRIPOLI, Nov. 10. Yesterday the 18th regiment and today the 11th Bersaglieri made counterattacks which were very effective and closed the enemy's entrenchments. Treacherous Arab attacks are daily reported. Our navy made a reconnaisiineo towards the coast, discovering and scattering several caravans escorted by the enemy's troops. We have destroyed tho barracks close to Romli, and are studying organisation and the public health service in the town of Tripoli. To-day Turkish and Arab troops with their artillery attacked our left wing and were completely driven back with loss. " DEFORMED PROJECTILKS." TRIPOLI, Nov. 11. Our Kiug's birthday was solemnly celebrated. The chief Arabs expressed sentimental homage to our augusl Sovereign. Money was given away io the poor. In yesterday's attack tho enemy experienced heavy loss. Wo had only one wounded. The attack was opened contemporaneously from Hamidich fortress and at Sidimesri. Balloon observations gave useful indications to our artillery firo against the enemy's camp at Aiuzara, from which point tho Arab;-, re-vacated in disorder, leaving ono gnu behind. This morning the foreign army and naval officers attached to our troops visited our south-west front and ascertained from our wounded that the enemy is using deformed projectiles, which is a disgrace and a breach of tho rules of the International Convention.