p. 10 | Italy and Turkey by F. M. W.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Tacoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Oct 19, 1911

Italy and Turkey

By F. M. W.

ONE of the political sensations of the last few weeks has been the unexpected announcement of the outbreak of hostilities between Italy and Turkey. No misunderstanding was supposed to exist between the two nations. The motives which led Italy to make her sudden and unexpected attack upon the Turkish government are not yet fully apparent.

Tripoli is a little country in north Africa, containing about 400,000 square miles. It has a seacoast on the Mediterranean of about 1,000 miles. Its present population numbers over 1,000,000. There are only about 5,000 foreigners in the country; these are mostly Italians. Tripoli only in recent years has emerged from a barbaric state. A few decades ago its pirate ships scoured the Mediterranean, picking up merchantmen and trade vessels from every country which failed to pay tribute. These unjust demands were resisted by the United States and other governments, and such punishment was inflicted upon Tripoli as led her to desist from this barbarous practise. The government of Tripoli is so administered in a general way by the Ottoman government.

By the treaty of Berlin in 1878, it was agreed that Italy should have the right of “pacific penetration” of Tripoli. To this Turkey assented, becoming responsible for the safety of Italian settlers. Italy claims that proper protection of the lives and property of her subjects has not been guaranteed, that she has repeatedly made representations of these abuses to Turkey, but that Turkey has failed to effect such reforms as would bring about a more peaceful and stable condition of affairs in Tripoli. In consequence Italy claims that she has been forced to adopt the only remedy left her, and that is to effect a military occupation of Tripoli.

Accordingly on September 28, Italy delivered to the Porte an ultimatum announcing the purpose of the Italian government to occupy Tripoli. Turkey responded to this demand in a conciliatory manner, stating that to the best of its knowledge conditions in Tripoli were normal, and that ample protection was afforded the lives and property of Italian settlers. At the same time Turkey forwarded to the European powers a protest against the proposed invasions by Italy. Italy, however, not to be deterred from her object, began on the same day aggressive operations. The Italian navy instituted a blockade against the Tripolitan coast. Later Tripoli was successfully occupied with but little, if any, resistance on the part of the Turkish troops, who number about 10,000 in the province. October 10, the Turks, with the assistance of thousands of the natives, attacked Tripoli, but were repulsed with very heavy loss.

It is believed in many quarters that the demands of the Italian government have been made with full knowledge of the European powers. Up to the present writing no protests have been made by any of the leading governments of Europe against the occupation of Tripoli, although after Italy’s ultimatum, efforts were made by the German government through its ambassador at Constantinople, to bring about some terms of settlement. It seems very evident that over and above Italy’s claim of the need of greater security for her settlers in Tripoli, is her desire to possess herself of more territory. Tripoli is but 425 miles from the Italian coast. As France and Great Britain both have dependencies in north Africa, Italy herself evidently desires further advantages in the establishment of coaling stations there.

What the outcome of the present conflict will be, it is of course difficult to determine. No one can tell what new elements of danger will be injected into the conflict. The affairs in Europe are so sensitive, the nations are so keenly on the alert, the balance of power and peace so delicately poised, that it is difficult to say what effect may be produced by the next move of either one of the belligerent powers. While it is believed that no general complication will result, Europe always confronts a serious danger. Says the United Presbyterian of October 5:—

The danger of such an outbreak is great. If Turkey were embarrassed by a serious war, Greece would hardly let slip the opportunity to possess herself of Crete in accordance with the formally expressed wish of the Cretan local government to become a part of Greece. Bulgaria is expected at the first opportunity to take Macedonia from the Turks. The Macedonians themselves are showing many signs of restlessness under Turkish rule. Montenegro has long been looking for a chance to add northern Albania to her territory. The recently subdued insurrection in southern Albania is still smoldering, and would again blaze out with but little fanning. A general disturbance, such as is now threatened, would almost without questioninvolve Austria and Russia, and the long-dreaded war over the Balkan question could hardly be averted. Turkey is using the fear of such complications as a weapon to drive the powers to intervene in the Italo-Turkish war before it becomes too late. The French cabinet has called upon President Fallieres to inaugurate the movement for joint intervention by the powers.

As to the bearing which this present conflict will have upon the final expulsion of Turkey from Europe, no man living can say. That conclusion of her affairs is inevitable; it was foretold by the prophet, it is expected by the statesman. Just how long it will be delayed only the Molder of the destinies of all men, the great Ruler of all nations, can divine. This war, no doubt, and every succeeding conflict in which Turkey will engage, will hasten the consummation of her European history, and bring still nearer her final end, as well as the end of all earthly governments. These events bid us to watch and be ready, lest, sleeping, we be found unprepared for the coming of the great Judge.

F. M. W.