THE POSITION CRITICAL.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXIX, Issue 3363, 1 November 1911, Page 5

THE POSITION CRITICAL.

SEVERE ATTACKS ON TRIPOLI. WOMEN AND CHILDREN KILLED. 3000 ARABS KILLED. (United Press Association—Copyright.) LONDON, Oct. 30. The Turkish attacks in Tripoli arc more stubborn than the Italians admit. European refugees assert that the position is critical. Turkish papers state that Tripoli has been recaptured. One paper alleges that the Turks on Saturday drove the Italians back to the city, the Italians losing 300 killed and 700 wounded. MALTA, Oct. 30. Details of last Monday’s fight show that the Italians suppressed the rising with the utmost severity, wiping out an oasis which was a danger spot by shooting, without trial, every Arab met there fn the confusion many women and children were killed. Reuter’s correspondent was not allowed to enter Benhazi, but learned that the bombardment on the 19th did immense damage, nearly 300 civilians, including 150 women and children, being killed. LONDON, Oct. 30. It is officially announced that from the 23rd to the 26th inst. the losses at Tripoli were 13 officers and 160 killed; 16 officers and 142 men were wounded. The preponderance of killed is due to the fact that a horde of rebel Arabs suddenly attacked Bersaguli on the flank. Reuter’s correspondent estimates that 3000 Arabs were killed in the fighting, or were subsequently shot, between the 23rd and 2Gth. A COMPLETE SURPRISE. THE ATTACK ON TRIPOLI. THOUSANDS KILLED AND WOUNDED. (Received October 31, 10.10 p.m.; TRIPOLI, Oct. 31. The attack on Tripoli and the Arab uprising came as a complete surprise. The impression prevailed that the Turks were sixty miles inland. Aeroplane reeonnuaisances revealed a large force of Turks and Arabs massing hr teen miles to the south-east. Subsequently three groups were reported on the 23rd inst. four miles distant, and advancing rapidly. A great drawback to the ope rations was an oasis many square mih-s in extent lying between the outpost line and Tripoli, consisting of residences and gardens, also dwellings of a large portion of the native population. An enemy occupying this could cut the army’s communications and attack from the rear. The Italians relied on General Caneva’s proclamation, and allowed the Arabs to remain in the oasis. It is now known that the retreating Turks armed everybody in this oasis, and when Bersaglieri was repelling an attack on their front on the 23rd, swarms of Arabs from the oasis attacked from the rear, and Bersaglieri was obliged to face both ways. He lost many who were massacred while proceeding along the roads through the oasis to join their comrades in the front. The Arabs repeatedly attempted to penetrate the outpost line, and join the Arabs in the oasis. An insurrection occurred simultaneously in town on the 23rd. Arabs caught shooting soldiers were executed wholesale. The townspeople were seized with a panic and took refuge in the Consulates and the seashore. Attacks from outside the town were repulsed. Turkish troops then retired, anti desultory firing between the outposts continued on the 24th and 25th. The extermination of all Arabs found in the oasis continued for three days. Many houses were blown up. 'Hie biggest and most determined onslaught on the outer line was made on the 126th. It was pressed with admirable courage, but the Italian infantry reserved fire until the assailants were within fifty yards, then they swept them away with steady volleys, finally making a bayonet charge. _ The Italians, finding their line too extensive. withdrew a mile. Meanwhile the Turks were largely reinforced. Izzet Pasha has assumed supreme command of the Turks, and a further battle is imminent.

TURKISH REPORTS

OF ROUT OF ITALIANS

CONSTANTINOPLE. Oct. 31. Rumors of Turkish successes, including the capture of part of Tripoli town, elated the public. Ahmed Riza informed the Chamber he had unofficial information which stated that the Italians were utterly routed, losing five thousand killed and seven thousand prisoners, ninety-five guns, tlnrty-five machine guns, and great quantities of war material. The" War Office is unable to confirm this, but is enthusiastic. A procession took place in the streets. ROME, Oct. 31. A leading newspaper announces that more reservists were summoned.

It is still believed the Government are suppressing facts relating to casualties, preferring to allow the details to filter slowly through, owing to the exciteable temperament of the nation.