Turks Continue Active In Caucasia

Constantinople, via Petrograd, via London, June 20 .- Operations in the Dardanelles apparently are having no effect on Turkish activity along the Caucasian front. They are reported to have replaced in a comparatively short time the Ninth army corps which was captured by the Russians at Sari Kamysh. They also have restored and supplied with ammunition the Tenth and Eleventh corps which were seriously reduced in numbers by fighting and disease.

The main Turkish concentration is taking place against Olti, Melo and Kiskin, outside of which line the First and Sixth corps and the remainder of Hull Bey’s army which was defeated at Dilman, now are drawn up. In addition to attempting to prevent the Russians from outflanking Erzerum the Turks are undertaking offensive maneuvers.

Kurd leaders, who were responsible for Armenian massacres in the Van district, have surrendered voluntarily to the Russians and are being deported to the interior with their dependents.

Constantinople, June 20, via London 4:13 p.m. – The following official statement was issued today by the Turkish war office:-

“A battle near Olti (Transcaucasia, fifty-five miles west of Kars) 200 Russians were killed and prisoners and war material were taken.

“Turkish artillery on Thursday seriously damaged a hostile destroyer near Avl Burau.”