New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1916-08-13
Constantinople Insists Ad-
vance Into Persia Is
Progressing.
CARS FORCES GAIN,
PETROGRAD REPORTS
OttomanS Admit Quick Retreat
Before British Forces
East of Suez.

London, Aug. 12.-Russian forces in
the Mush- Bitlis district of Turkish
Armenia have been driven back further
by the Turks and the Turkish advance
into Persia also is making progress,
Constantinople asserts. Petrograd says
obstinate fighting continues north of
Bitlis and that the Turks are retreat
ing into the region of Bokana, Persia.
"On the Caucasian front, west OF
CUNNINGHAM, the Turks several times
resumed the offensive, being repelled
on each occasion by our fire." says the
Russian statement. Cartridges with
filed points were found in possession Of
captured Askaris. According to their
statements, the commander of their
regiment issued an order six weeks ago
that every Askari was to prepare 100
such cartridges. For this purpose spe-
cial files were distributed.
North of Bitlis obstinate fighting
continues. In Persia, in the region OF
Bokana, our troops are pursuing the
Turks, who are retreating hurriedly to
Sakkiz."
The Turkish War Office statement
says:
"The Russian force which, owing to
bad roads and the difficulties created
for US by the weather, established itself
on the Bitlis-Mush line, has been COM
PEELED gradually to retreat, leaving
guns, rifles and prisoners in our hands.
The Russian retreat was caused by our
heavy attacks and the pressure Of our
right wing on the steep Chasn heights.
Fortified Mountains Taken.
"The mountains south of Bitlis,
which the enemy fortified strongly and
defended obstinately. were captured.
On the night of August we occupied
Bitlis, and on the morning Of August s
Mush was taken. Our advance con-
tinues toward the passes north OF
Bitlis.
1--WE took the offensive against posi-
tons of the enemy in the vicinity OF
Ognott and Hill Tsheliguel, two kilo-
metres east of 0gnott, as well as enemy
positions west of Ognott on front OF
eight kilometres, where we captured
140 Russians.
an Persia our troops are continuing
the pursuit of the enemy in the vicinity
of Hamadan. The enemy made ener-
getic attempts TO defend himself IN the
passes east of Sakna, but was forced
to retreat toward Kanlaver, leaving in
our hands a number Of prisoners, two
munitions cars, teams for eight guns
and a great quantity of other war
da
by the fire of our artillery.
an Egypt there have been no further
important events in the region OF
Katia."
British Regiment Wiped Out.
A later official statement announces
the occupation on August 8 of Kighli.
"On the Egyptian front" says the
announcement, "a British cavalry regl-
ment, according to statements OF
prisoners taken at Katia, was almost
entirely wiped out. all its officers be-
ing killed"
The admission is made In telegram
received here to-day from CONSTANT
nople that the Turks were compelled
TO fall back after the recent battles
with the British east of the Suez
Canal.
"Turkish forces which advanced for
reconnaissance made attacks on
strongly consolidated positions Of the
enemy" the dispatch says. They
occupied the first line trenches and
toward evening reached the baroed
wire obstacles Of the enemy's main
meanwhile a gigantic sandstone
came up and impeded our left wing,
preventing prosecution OF the recon
naissance of this area. The enemy
assisted by detachments Of troops with
camels and by reinforcements drawn
from the direction of Ell Nlntara ana
Duidar, took advantage OF TINS sltua-
ton. He made a surprise attack or
the rear of our left wing, part OF
which. after long fighting, fell into his
hands We left in the position some
machine guns which we had rendered
unusable.
Turkish Forces Withdrawn.
lowing to this incident. we with
drew our troops in the direction o.
Katia On August 5 the enemy, with
all his forces, attacked our troops en-.
camped in the district Of katia, put
was repulsed with severe loss IN
We withdrew tAat
night to line east Of Katia."
The following statement IN regard 10
the Egyptian campaign was gwen out
here officially to-day: -, A.
"Our cavalry is in touch with me
enemys rearguard at Hodel Hisha'
north of Birel Add. Our troops nave
been active during the day, threaten
ing various points Of the enemys me,
"Reports show that the enemy S
casualties have been heavy. Ihere are
a considerable number of dead before
our front at Birel Add and enemy col
lecting parties are employed con
stantly in removing the bodies OF the