Last Saturday the Italians occupied Rhodes. The Turkish garrison offered
some resistance, but soon retired to a fortified position in the hills. The Turkish governor then surrendered the town of Rhodes. The Turkish garrison numbers about three thousand, and we do not suppose that the Italians will find it an easy matter to overcome them, although about 10,000 troops have been landed. Turks are not to be turned out of a strong position except by the bayonet. If the Italians do not attempt to scatter them they will themselves be subject to harassing tactics, and will have to keep a fair number of troops in the island. The policy • of seizing islands in the /Egeau is presumably intended to give the Italians points to argue with when it comes to discussing terms of peace. Bid this policy means a reduction of their strength in Tripoli, where, we imagine, active opera- tions will be practically suspended during the summer, or else a further calling up of reservists, which will make the war a more serious undertaking than ever. The .Greeks in the islands 'will be in general sympathy with the Italians, but this will only encourage the Turkish garrisons to make the Italians feel as insecure as possible in their new position.
