THE DARDANELLES

New Zealand Times, Volume XL, Issue 8981, 2 March 1915, Page 5

THE DARDANELLES

HEAVY CASUALTIES ADMITTED PANIC PREVAILS IN CONSTANTINOPLE ' By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. * ■ PARIS, February 28. . Turkish torpedo boats reconnoitred the Nagara Pass, but precipitately withdrew. Panic prevails in Constantinople. Heavy casualties are officially admitted. REMOVAL OF THE SEAT OF GOVERNMENT. ATHENS, February 28. The Porto has decreed the transfer of the seat of Government to Brusia (fifty-on© miles south-south-east of Constantinople)., Many of the leading inhabitants are leaving Stamboul. * TRAINS READY FOR SULTAN'S REMOVAL CONSTANTINOPLE, February 28, - Three trains are in readiness to remove tlie Sultan and entourage in case of danger. ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF TALAAT BEY SOFIA, February 23. It is reported that an attempt was mad© to assassinate Talaat Bey (the Minister for the Interior). The bullet missed. GOAL RUNNING SHORT IN CONSTANTINOPLE “Times” and Sydney “Sun” Services. (Received March 1, 5.30 p.m.) LONDON, March 1. A resident of Constantinople states that owing to bad coal the Gocben has been reduced to sixteen knots an hour. Her two after guns are out of action and her rudder out of gear. There is only two months’ supply of coal in the city, failing which there will be no electricity for light or for the trams. ANGLO-FRENCH FLAGS ON THE FORTS TURKISH ARTILLERY FIRE VERY BAD. (Received March 1, 10.50 p.m.) ATHENS, March 1. The Allied Fleet continued the bombardment of the inner forts of the Dardanelles on Saturday afternoon, blowing up the powder magazine at Mcchovi, with numerous victims. The Fleet in the evening penetrated to the Carophomia lighthouse, near forts Kedel Bahr and Thana Kale. The forts on tho European side were silenced. The Allies landed artillery near the destroyed forts, where Anglo-French flags are now flying. The Paris press states that Fort Kedel Bahr was blown up with the entire garrison. Tho fire of the Turkish artillery was very bad. THE PEOPLeIfIgYPT ASTOUNDED (Received March 1, 11.45 p.m.) CAIRO. March 1. The news from the Dardanelles has caused a sensation in Egypt. The people are almost astounded to realise that after centuries the account against Turkey is being finally settled. The ©vents will seriously affect Djemal Pashas plans. INQUIRY PROCEEDING AT DAMASCUS (Received March 2, 1 a.m.) CAIRO, March 1. An inquiry is proceeding at Damascus into Djemal Pasha’s conduct of the Egyptian campaign. It is believed that Enver Bey selected Djemal to lead a hopeless expedition in order to ensure Djemal’s downfall.