The Near East.

Waikato Argus, Volume XXXV, Issue 5637, 17 June 1914, Page 3

The Near East.

THE ATTACK ON DURAZZO. CAPTAIN THOMPSON'S DEATH. DEFENCE OF THE LEGATION. ASSIGNED TO ITALIAN SAILORS. Durazzo, June 16. The guard at the head of a bridge over the canal near the town was surprised bv the insurgents and driven in. Reinforcements consisting of Malissori were sent to hold the trenches on either side of the road, and a furious fire was maintained, much ammunition being wasted. Captain Thompson urged the defenders to leave their trenches and advance. He himself showed the way and several followed him, but promptly returned to the trenches as soon as the bullets began to hum past them. Captain Thompson was hit in the neck and fell in the open. No Albanian went to his assistance, and two Europeans carried him to a house where he died a few minutes after he arrived. The defence of the Prince's residence and the Legations has been assigned to Italian sailors.

REBELS RENEW THE ATTACK. WITHIN 1000 YARDS OF THE PALACE. Received 10.10 a.m., 17th. Durazzo, June 16. The insurgents lost heavily, and the defenders had two killed and 35 wounded. The insurgents have renewed the attack, and are now within 1000 yards of the palace. The defenders have been reinforced from San Gicanni and Alessio. Prince Wied telegraphed to the Queen of the Netherlands that ths victory was due to Captain Thomson's cool and heroic leadership. RHSSIA AND ROUMANIA. MEETING OF MONARCHS. THE BOSPHORUS AND DARDANELLES.

London, June 16

The Czar of Russia and the Imperial family have arrived at Constanza, Roumania, The meeting of the Czar and King Charles was most cordial.

The Russian and Roumanian Foreign Ministers later exchanged views. It is understood that among the questions discussed was the necessity for such regulations regarding the straits as to enable Russian grain exporters to rely absolutely on the freedom of passage by the Bosphorus and the Dardanelles. This question, which was revived by Turkey closing the straits in 1912, assumes importance owing to the Russian Government's projected control of Russia's grain production in order to increase its volume. GREEK AND TURK. RAPINE AND MASSACRE. Received 10.10 a.m.. 17th. Athens, June 16. Refugees from Asia Minor report that armed bands ravaged Fokia and massacred 100 Greeks, including priests and children. The inhabitants lied, and are starving. Many of the refugees carry bayonet and bullet wounds. INSURGENTS WITHDRAW. Received 12.25 p.m., 17th. Durazzo, June 16. The insurgents wthdrew on learning]of the defenders' reinforcements.