THE AFGHAN RISING

Dominion, Volume 12, Issue 231, 24 June 1919, Page 5

THE AFGHAN RISING

» AMIR'S REPLY TO THE VICEROY SURRENDER MUST BE UNCONDITIONAL (By Telegraph-Press Association-Copyright (Itec. June 23, 10.30 p.m.) Simla, June 22. The Amir's reply to the Indian Viceroy's letter of June 3 readied Simla on June 18. It is couched in terms of studied friendliness, and states that the Amir is impressed by llio loving inclinations of the British nation. He alludes to Afghanistan's passion for independence and also the newly-awakened world spirit of freedom, and points uut that certain . practical difficulties are in the way of the fulfilment of the terms in the literal. The Amir maintains that the withdrawal of the Afghan forces a distance of twenty miles will involve the uprooting of a thousand villages ami tribes, as the. Afghan forces consist of a levy en masse. The Amir accepts the .Viceroy's suggestion that Rawnlpimli bo the meeting-place for the peace delegates. The Amir has appointed nine delegates headed by Sardar Ali Nata (the Homo Minister). Tho Amir expresses a hope for the establishment of friendly relations between the two Governments. The Viceroy's reply, while recognising tho difficulties of the literal fulfilment of the armistice terms, emphasises the point that modification is impossible. ''So long ns a-single Afghan regular remains on our 6ido of tho frontier peace negotiations are impossible." The only alternative is a resumption of hostilities. The Viceroy is prepared to receive Afghan delegates at .Rawalpindi. Ho Ims appointed. Sir Hamilton Grant (Foreign Secretary) as chief of the British delegation.—Keuter. r= ~ =======