The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1915-08-23
strict secrecy Maintained.

Rome, Aug. z2.-Preparation for an
extensive campaign against Turkey are
known to have been completed. The
military authorities, however, are
maintaining the strictest secrecy re-
garding the objective on their plans.
while the date on which these oper-
alton will begin is as little known as
the objective. 1t is generally sup
posed that active warfare against Tur-
key will commence as soon as Pre-
mier Saiandra returns from the Aus
train front, where he went to consult
King Victor Emmanuel yesterday.
1t has been known here for fort
night that an italian war against Tur-
key was inevitable. but the censorship
which has constantly become stricter.
has not permitted any forecasts to
leave the country. The restrictions
placed on the foreign correspondents
have been somewhat iessened today.
and Ii may now be said that the pri.
mary cause of Italy's action was long.
standing defiance OF this government
| by Turkey In Trtpolt.
Turkey Sought War.
II 10 definitely charged by the gov
lernment that Turkish military activi-
ties in Tripoii have constantly tn-
creased during recent months until
only one conclusion may be drawn.
namely, that Turkey was seeking war
with Italy. The rebels in Ldbya have
been led by Turkish military officers.
and even since the departure from
Tripoli of Enver Bey and Aseix Bey.
Mt the demand of Italy, more than
100 Turkish Officers have remained IN
1.-THE country. doing their utmost TO IN
cite the rebels to war.
Last April ii IL charged Enver
Pasha. the Turkish minister of war,
sent thirty Ave natives of Tripoli. who
had been trained in a military school
at Constantinople. to Libya. and more
recently the rebels under Turkish
Leadership have captured Euronte.
| Turkey continued throughout not to
give any heed whatever to the
italian protests, and as a further ag-
gravation prohibited. as is well known.
the departure of Italian citizens from
Asia Minor, It was because of this
prohibition that Italy, on August 3,
| sent an ultimatum to Turkey demand
ling the release of all Italian citizens In
Turkish possessions. and stipulated
thar the local authorities at Beyrout.
smyrna, Alesandretta, Haifa. and Jfa,
should facilitate their departure.
! Italians Rights Dcfied.
| Two DAYS later, on August S. Turkey
acceded to the italian demands. This
twas two days before the Italian uiti-
matum would have expired. The
italian government straightway sent
Italian steamships to Rhodes TO take
Ion Italian citizens from Asia Minor,
ana the American consul WAS en-
trusted with the protection Of Italian
Interests. On August ., however, \
was reported that Turkey had re-
| fused to permit Italian ciezens ia
leave the country. and had instructed
1.-THE military authorities In ports In
Asia Minor to see to II that no de-
/ parturcs were made.
This action on the part OF Turkey
was the last OF many dehances Of
Italian rights. and led directly to the
declaration OF war.
i Y The latest breach In internationa
1 affairs ID known to have been received
by Pope Benedict with greater con.
/ Germ than anything else that hai
1 transpired since ITALY declared war or
Austria. It 10 learned from excellent
authorities that he now despairss ut
seriy Of being able to hasten peace
i II has been learned at the Vatican
your correspondent 10 able to ray. thai
4 nothing short Of miracle win nov
prevent the war from extending q
many neutral countries A rupture u
1.-THE German-American relations II con.
lsidered inevitable. The Germans open
lily charge America will aiding thu
allies. and are ready, II IL said. q
night the United states II that countr1
II 10 generally felt here that the
Germans greatly underestimate tbs
fCentinued on Second pAge.l AZ