ITALY AND TURKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 10298, 1 November 1911, Page 1

ITALY AND TURKEY.

HEAVY FIGHTING AT TRIPOLI

PETAILS FROM ITALIAN SOURCES

INSURRECTION IN THE TOWN,

EXECUTION OF ARABS.

ANOTHER BATTLE IMMINENT. United Press Association—By Electrio Telegraph—Copyright ROME, October 31. " The attack on Tripoli and the Arab ipriaing came as a complete surpnse. impression prevailed that tne l\u'ks were sixty miles mlanu. Aeioplane reconnaissances revealed a large force of Turks and Arabs at Maury, fifteen miles south-east. Subsequent!} three groups were reported on October 23 four miles distant, and advancing ' rapidly. A great drawback to the operations was an oasis, many square smiles in. extent lying between the ouupost line and Tripoli, consisting of residences and gardens, also the dwellings of a large portion of the native population. An enemy occupying it could cut the army's communications and- attack front and rear. iho Italians relied on Cancva's proclamation, and allowed the Arabs to remain in the oasis. It is now known that the retreating Turks armed everybody * in the oasis. When the Bersaglieri were replling an attack on their front on October 23 swarms of Arabs from the oasis attacked them in the rear. The bersaglieri were obliged to face both ways, and lost heavily.Many were massacred while proceeding along the roads through the oasis to join their comrades in front. The Arabs repeatedly attempted to penetrate the outpost line and join the Arabs in the oasis. An insurrection occurred simultaneously in the town on October 23. Arabs caught shooting soldiers were executed wholesale. The townspeople were ■ geized with panic, and took refuge in the Consulates on the seashore. The attacks outside the town were • repulsed. The Turkish troops then retired. Desultory firing between the outposts continued an October 24 and the following day. The extermination of all Arabs found in the oasis continued for three days. Many houses were blown up. The biggest and most determined onslaught on the outer line was made on October 26. It was pressed with admirable courage, but the Italian infantry reserved their fire until their assailants were within fifty yards. They then swept them away by steady volleys, finally making a bayonet charge, charge. The Italians, finding their fighting line too extensive, withdrew a mile. Meanwhile the Turks have been largely reinforced. Izzet Pasha has assumed supreme command, and a further battle is imminent. HUMOURS IN CONSTANTINOPLE. ROUT OF ITALIANS REPORTED. THE POPULACE ELATED, CONSTANTINOPLE. October 30. Humours of Turkish successes and t the capture of part of Tripoli town hffvve elated the public. Ahmed Riza informed the Chamber that unofficial information stated that the Italians had been utterly routed, losing five thousand killed and seven thousand prisoners, with ninety-five guns and , thirty-five machine-guns, and great quantities of war tnaterial. The War Office is unable to confirm the report, but there are enthusiastic proceessions in the streets. MORE RESERVISto"SUMMONED. SUPPRESSION~OF FACTS ALLEGED. ROME, October 31. The leading newspaper announces that more reservists have been summoned to make the army of occupation one hundred thousand. . Many persons still believe that the Government is_ suppressing facts relating to casualties, preferring to allow details to filter slowly owing to the excitable temperament of the nation.