TURKEY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume XLVIII, Issue XLVIII, 9 April 1915, Page 5

TURKEY

IN THE BOSPHORUS -| -SEVEN TURKISH GUNBOATS SUM. TWO CRUISERS SERIOUSLY DA-MAGED. {Rec. April 9 i / 9&6'a..m.) . LONDON, April .8. Peflrograd ' states, -''that operations ,in the Bbsphofns resulted vin aevienJiTurkish gunlboats ""being sunk- and two cruisers seriously .damaged.

INTERVIEW WITH THE SULTAN THE "UNdnuST ALLIES." f (Rec. April 9, 1.5 p.m.) NEW YORK, April 8. The Sultan gave an audience to a of American journalists. He said he was convinced the Dardanelles cannot I be forced. It was very unjust that the I Allies want to force the DardanI elles just to import Russian foodstuffs.The Sultan.said it was impossible for him to : express his -high opinion of German valour and efficiency. - ATTEMPTED SHOOTING OF THE SULTAN ARREST OF A NATIVE. (Rec. April 9;- 2 p;m.) CAIRO, April 9. A native fired at the Sultan- when the latter was leaving the Palance. The assailant was arrested. I '' —r' The Sultan remained calm, and receiv ed an ovation. SUEZ CANAL TURKISH CAVALRY DRIVEN FROM ELKANTAEA. (Rec.- April 9, 8.45 a.m.) • LONDON, April 8. : : The Press Bureau states : that a small body of Turkish cavalry was sighted close to El Kantai'a; and was driven off., The High Commissioner reports:— .-•;• '•■•;':• - London, April 8. :; Cairo reports that yesterday morning a small body of Turkish cavalry was sighted north-east of El Kantara, Afew shots were, exchanged, and the enemy retired. There were no casualties. . Aeroplane reconnaissances show that no other troops are within reach. TROOPS ILL-EQUIPPED AND SHORT OF SUPPLIES LETTER FROM VON DER GOLTZ. AMSTERDAM, April 8. The "Nieue Freie Presse" '(Vienna) ■publishes a letter from Marshal Von der Goltz admitting that the Turk 6 are illequipped and short of supplies. As the Allies have cut off these the Turks must rely upon their own resources. Nevertheless the Turks are. holding off a strong fleet in the Dardanelles, and a strong Russian Army in the Caucasus. PICTURESQUE REPORT. LONDON, April 7. An officer writing to- the "Cologne Gazette" furnishes an example of the coloured reports circulated in Germany. He declares 1 that he was commanding Fort Hamjdieh, in the Dardanelles, and that his gunners quickly sank the Bouj vet, Irresistible, and Ocean when they came within range. He adds that near|ly all the attacking ships were damI aged, and that the fort was promptly repaired. "TIRED OF BEING A PAWN." LONDON, April 7. The New York Associated Press publishes an interview with the Grand Vizier—the first ever given. It states that he rejected the Entente's offer to guarantee Turkish integrity for 30 years, because it would be detrimental to Turkish sovereignty. Turkey's experience of the promises of the Powers did not promote confidence, and the entering into relations with England, France, and Russia had been a factor harmful to the country's interest. Turkey has hitherto been s. pawn in European politics ■ and < was tired of that. She .was now- fighting for a, chance to exist for her own sake. - The claim, that she was bound 'to pass, under the sway of Germany, was aosurd.- »