THE WAR IN TURKEY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 250, 22 April 1912, Page 5

THE WAR IN TURKEY.

THE SULTAN'S VIEWS. By Cablt—Press Association—Copyright Constantinople, April ID. Parliament has been opened. The Sultan, referring to the war, declared that peace was only possible on the condition of effective maintenance of Turkey's sovereign rights. He applauded the bravery of the Turkß and Arabs. THE DARDANELLES. BOMBARDMENT OF THE FORTS. Constantinople, April 19. Four battleships, accompanied by 03 torpedo boats, opened fire on the outer forts at 8000 yards. The forts replied. Merchantmen were allowed to proceed northward. The Turkish mine-laying ships ar» completely closing the straits. British subjects embarked on a steamer. The fleet fired 180 projectiles, but did not seriously damage the barracks or forts. One Italian vessel took fire. The fleet then put to sea. The Governors of Mitylene and Rhodes report that two Italian ship§ shelled the barracks above Vathe for three and a half hours. ITALY BUSY. j SHIPPING DISORGANISED. Received 21. ."> p.m. Constantinople, AprM 20. The newspapers, commenting on the Dardanelles incident, severaly criticised Italy for needless irritation. < All chartering in the Black Sea is at I a standstill. I The Italians sank the Turkish gunboat Vathi. The garrison retired inland, abandoning the town. The prisoners broke out of gaol. Vessels quitting the Dardanelles report that the shots from Fort Kumkalch fell short. The Italian fire was badly directed at the outset, but improved later. Thirty vessels were held up in the Dardanelles, and were unable to proceed to the Mediterranean. Incoming merchantment are anchored at Boseha Bay, and it is unlikely that the straits will be reopened for ten days. The Italians seized the Khedive's yacht off Rhodes.