New Britain herald., 1915-08-23
Friction for Some Time.

Although Italy declared war on
 Austria on May A and hostilities be- tween the two powers began imme- diately, there has never been any declaration of war between Italy and Germany, the ally of Austria, while until now Italy and Turkey, the ally of the Central powers, nominally have been at peace.
 Friction between Turkey and Italy, however has been in evidence since shortly after the latter's entrance into the war. Early in June there were reports that Italian consulS were slowly leaving Turkey and that Am erican officials were taking over the task of looking out for Italian inter- ests. Later charges were made that the Ottoman government was pre- venting these consuls from leaving and that similar coercion was being exerted over Italian civilians who wished to quit Turkish soil.
 On July 20 advices came from
 Rome that the Italian government had addressed a note to the United States asking it to use it's influence to protect Italian subjects in the Otto man domains. This complaint that they were' being prevented from leaving was reiterated.
 Turkey Accused of Violating Treaty.
 Two days later tho Italian cabinet met for the supposed purpose of dis cussing the situation as regarded Turkey, and almost coincidentally the Italian government began to gather evidence intended to show that Turkey had violated the treaty of Lausanne, an undertaking accord ing to the terms of which she pledged herself to withdraw all Turkish troops and officers from the Cyrcnai- ca district in Tripoli and help bring about the submission of the Senussi trihesmcn in that locality Instead of doing this, it was alleged, Enver fasha, tn" Turkish minister of war, last March sont his brother Nuri i5cN, to Cyronaica to fomcnt rrhcI- lion
 On August 3 the Italian nmbnS- sador at Constantinople made an- other protest to Turkey relative tp the attitude of the Ottoman authori- ties toward Italian subjects. It was stated that Italian consuls were still being detained in Turkey. At this tune the tension between lldlS ana Turkey was becoming more acute daily. It was announced on August that Italy had asked for categorical explanations concerning Turkeys al legged refusal to withdraw her troops from the Cyrenaica district in Trip oli, and it was charged that Turkey was pursuing what was described as her usual policy of proscrastination
 Last Note Virtually Ultimatum.
 In official circles in Rome the feel ing was held that hostilities on the p-i of Italy might begin at any mo- nN~>t, as her last note to Turkey was almost in the character of an ultima tum. Shortly after this it was re- ported that declaration of war by Italy against Turkey would be simul- taneous with the sending of about 15O, ,OO0 men to the aid of the Franco British force on the Gallipoli penin> su1a.
 It was announced on August 19 that a strong squadron of fast Italian cruisers was being held in readiness to sail from TaratO, Italy. at a mo- ments notice. It was stated that it was expected the waships would be sent against Turkey if the latter ] country declined to satisfy Italy's ! subjects held in the Ottoman empire. |
 Sonnino Precipitatcd Crisis.
 A meeting of the Italian cabinet | was held yesterday (Friday) and at | that time Baron Sonnino, Italian min | ister of foreign affairs, presented an | exhaustive report on the Turkish sit l uation. He asserted that the Turkish { had hecOme intoIera hla 1 The cabinets decision was kept sc- Cret. Dispatches today stated that 1 the Italian ambassador at Constanti- nople had been instructed to hand to the porte a note asking for a formal statement as to departure of l Italians from Turkish possessions. It I was unofficially stated that the note was in the nature of an ultimatum and that a reply was expected Satur- day.