THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1514, 15 April 1885, Page 2

THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

[reuxer’s telegrams—copyright.]

London, April 13. It is currently reported that an agreement has been arrived at between the English and Italian Governments by which the latter country agrees to occupy the Soudan m the event of the British troops in that locality being drafted to India. London, April 14. The Daily News states that the troops composing the various came corps now serving in Egypt will be recalled to England forthwith. Melbourne, Yesterday. Government to-day received a telegram from Mr Murray Smith, Victorian Agent-General, in which he says that the prospects of a peaceful settlement of the Afghan frontier question are very gloomy. (Received April 15, 2 45 p.m.) London, April 14.

In the House of Commons to-day Mr Gladstone made a statement to the effect that the Russian Foreign Office had received recent pacific assurances as to the policy of.the Government in regard to the Afghan frontier, and had stated that any change made by the Russian commander in the position of the troops near Penjdeh would be contrary to the intentions and orders of the Government.

Wellington. To-day. Government have received, from their Agent-General, a telegram stating that the position of affairs between England and Russia was still very serious, and that it behoved New Zealand, in common with all other parts of the Empire, to hasten the completion of its defence preparations. Later. Telegrams received from the AgentGeneral by the Government states : “ Affairs in Russia still grave." No mention is made of proseouting defences.