ANGLO-TURKISH INCIDENT

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4307, 16 March 1901, Page 2 (Supplement)

ANGLO-TURKISH INCIDENT

BLUEJACKETS LANDED NEAR ADEN. A report has been current in Turkish circles here that a detachment of British bluejackets recently landed on the coast of Yenaa, near Aden. According to advices received by the Porte the report appears to have reference to a movement set on foot by the Sheikh of Lahaj, near Aden, who is stated to he marching upon the Turkish territory of Sabihi, and to be supported by a British military force sent from Aden. A Turkish version says that the British intend to occupy a point in the neighbourhood in order to establish British influence at Sabihi.

There has been an exchange of telegrams on the subject between the Porte aud Costaki Pasha, the Ottoman Ambassador in London, who in reply to a request for information was assured by the British Government that it gave no credence to the report, and that the authorities at Aden had received no orders to take any action similar to that mentioned. The British Foreign Office is stated to have promised to make an inquiry into the matter, and to communicate the result to the Porto.

Reuter's Agency learns with reference to the above that there is no foundation for the suggestion that the British Government is seeking to increase its territory around Aden. The British Government has always considered a certain ill-defined portion of the country surrounding Aden to be within its sphere, say, for a radius of fifty miles. The Porte, on the other hand, holds that the British only possess the land immediately round Aden. It would appear that the Sultans of Lahaj and Sabihi, in the vicinity of Aden, have been fighting together. The British,' however, have taken no part in the conflict, and the Turkish Ambassador, who made inquiries of the Foreign Office on the subject, has been informed that such is the case, and the Foreign Office do not expect any further communication regarding the matter, which has no importance whatever.