THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1529, 1 May 1885, Page 3

THE RUSSO-AFGHAN DIFFICULTY

(REUTER’S TELEGRAMS—COPYRIGHT.) London, April 29

The European Powers are urging upon the Porte the desirability of maintaining a strict neutrality in the event of an outbreak of war between England and Russia; The Turkish Government, however, are increasing their defensive works on the Dardanelles and at Therapea, on the Bosphorus. London, April 30. The Times this morning states that England has proposed an enquiry into the recent Penjdeh incident, and offered to delimitate the Afghan frontier line in accordance with the views of Russia, on condition that that country undertakes to bind herself by treaty never to seize Herat. (Received May 1,2 30 p.m.) London, April 30. Farl Granville and Mr Gladstone announced to both Houses of Parliament to-day that the Government had received a telegram from General Lumsden, stating that there was no foundation for the report that the Russians had advanced from Pendjeh and occupied Maurchok. General Lumsden further stated in the telegram that the Afghans were still at Bala Murghat, to the south of Maruchak, on the Murgat river. The Australian Federation Enabling Bill was passed through Committee of the House of Lords to-day without amendment.