The Birmingham age-herald., 1911-11-02
ITALY DENIES ALL REPORTED CRUELTY Conduct of Troops Beyond
 Repr0ach TRAITORS ARE KILLED Daily Mail Correspondent Says Re- capture of Tripoli by the Turks
 Is Not as Impossible
 as It May Seem
TRAITORS ARE KILLED

Rome, November 1.-The reports which have been spread in foreign countries that the Italian troops at Tripoli have practiced extreme cruelty in the war against the Turks and Arabs, killing women and children, the aged and infirm, and non-combatants, have caused intense indignation throughout Italy. These re- ports have already been officially denied, but Premier Gioletti took occasion again tonight to emphasize the denial and to make a statement in behalf of the gov- ernnient and nation.
 "If any reproach is admissible, he said, it can only be on account of ex- cess of humanitarianism. We have, per haps, through exaggerated scruples spared the lives and property of the enemy and in so doing have exposed ourselves to grave risks. This, however, we have been pleased to do to prove that we are civilized and humane. Perhaps what is the bounty of the strong may be judged as weakness. Our soldiers, trained In the school of loyalty and accustomed to the uprightness of the Abyssinians who are open enemies or steadfast friends, did not expect that the Arabs, after they had sworn fealty and received grain and flour and other foodstuffs would Ireacherously break their oaths and ,iaitorousy turn their arms upon the wounded. Among those heroic dead many were barbariously Killed by the en- eiry after they had fallen gravely wounded
 ''He who asserts that the Italian sol- dier would offend woman or child" he said shows ignorance of our country and race The acts of treachery were due partly to the efforts of Bedouins, about 15,000 of whom migrate at this season of the year from the interior to t' coast for the date crop. They form ed kind of conspiracy with the Turks ard succeeded in persuading the Arabs who had already declared themselves our friends to rebel. But, indeed. the Arabs were ready to take up arms against those they considered weak at any mo- nent This Is shown by the fact that many of the habitations when set on fire, exploded like powder magazines, so great were the quantities of arms and ammunition hidden in them. After be- trayai when the Arabs, hidden by the t:ees, walls and houses in the oasis, shot in the back of troops, courageously fighting the Turks, our soldiers defended themselves. They attacked the oasis and routed the traitors. killing those caught in the act of firing and taking the oth- CTS prisoners. For safety we trans ported the prisoners to Tremiti and Usti- ca Islands, where on their own admis- sion outside of the curtailment of their liberty they are better treated than in their own country. The oasis within our lines after the population had been re- moved out of harms way was rendered useless as cover for the enemy. The trees and walls, and in fact, everything which might afford shelter for the Arabs to repeat their treachery, were de- stroyed."
 'In no report has General Caneva made any illusion to women and children kiled,' he continues. 'There are, in stead. proof of unheard of cruelty to our wounded Many are barbariously knifed being killed while lying wounded and un- able to defend themselves Besides the ocular testimony this is proved by the fact that while the normal proportions between the wounded and dead in battle is one to two, the Turks having about 2000 killed and 400O wounded. our dead numbered 374 killed and only 15S wound ed. In open attacks, In ambushes and also in time of treason the courage and humanitarian sentiments of the Italian army and navy are above reproach AL ways admired, they render this war an example of generous and chivalrous civil ization."
 London, November 1.-The Daily, Mail correspondent, writing from Tripoli un- der date of October 27, describes the sit uation as extremely grave and adds that