CONFLICTING REPORTS OF AFFAIRS IN THE CAPITAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LII, Issue 16026, 18 September 1915, Page 7

CONFLICTING REPORTS OF AFFAIRS IN THE CAPITAL.

OFFICIAL LIFE GAY AND CONFIDENT.

MASSES BELIEVE THE CITY DOOMED.

Times and Sydney Sun Services. (Received September 17, 8 p m.)

London, September 16. The correspondent at Salonika of the London Times gives instances of conflicting reports regarding conditions at Constantinople. An American who has returned states that Constantinople is the gayest city in Europe. There is no apprehension that the Dardanelles will ever be forced or that the allies will reach the city. A well-known Anglo-Armenian, who has just returned, says the conditions in Constantinople are nearly desperate. The people are convinced that the city is doomed. They believe the allies are drawing nearer every day. The Turks in the city fret under German restrictions and hate the German officers. Food is at an almost prohibitive price. The Turkish casualties are enormous. Innumerable buildings have been turned into hospitals and are filled to overflowing. The wounded in the city exceed 100,000. The correspondent points out that these contradictory reports are both undoubtedly honest. Each was based on personal experience. The American moved chiefly in official circles and received official information, the Anglo-Armenian spoke for the masses.