REVOLT OF ISLAM.

Otago Witness, Issue 3250, 28 June 1916, Page 23

REVOLT OF ISLAM.

ARABS PROCLAIM INDEPENDENCE. LONDON, June 22

News has reached here cf a successful uprising of the Arabs against Turkey, and Mecca has been taken.

Arabia has proclaimed her independence. The Grand Sheref has captured Mecca, Jeddah, and Taif. The Turkish garrisons surrendered.

The rising, although only the hist of a series of rebellions against Turkish rule, was greatly stimulated by bitter resentment against the German dominion over Turkey.

Newspapers in London are giving prominence to the Government of India's declaration of November, 1914, regarding the Mohammedan holy places, also to the Aga Khan's emphatic pronouncement of November, 1914, concerning Turkey's betrayal of her trusteeship of Islam.

CAIRO, June 22

The Grand Sheref was supported by the tribes of West and Central Arabia. Operations began on June 9, and the Sherd's forces captured Jeddah, Mecca, and Taif. The garrisons, with the exception of two small forts at Taif, surrendered, and 45 officers, 1400 men, and six guns were captured at Jeddah.

The Sheref is closely besieging Medina, which holds the communications to the Hodjaz.