HAND OF THE SOVIET

Evening Star, Issue 20053, 19 December 1928, Page 6

HAND OF THE SOVIET

THE AFGHANISTAN REVOLT BRITAIN WATCHING DEVELOPMENTS Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 18. (Received December 19, at 9.6 a.m,) The newspapers are giving prominence to tho grave nows from Afghanistan, especially the report that King Amanullah’s party has been obliged to tako refuge in a fort. The ‘ Daily Telegraph,’ editorially, observes that Britain has learnt from bitter experience that the passions roused in Afghan feuds are not confined to Afghan affairs, Thera is always tho possibility of an anti-Euro-pean outburst. The ‘ Morning Post’s' diplomatic correspondent says that, apart from Soviet aviation instructors in King Amanullah’a army, it is known that Moscow has watchers and agents in tbe rebel camps. In an editorial the ‘Post’ says: “What hand the Soviet is playing in this imbroglio is not yet plain, but the Indian Government no doubt marks the ominous similarity of events to those of early in 1919, when, as now, agitators wore active in India. The hand of the same conspirators can be traced in both cases, ami India and her protectors must therefore closely watch these Afghan developments.”— Australian Press Association. ARMY REVOLT REPORTED. ANXIETY CONCERNING EUROPEANS. DELHI, December 18. (Received December 19, at noon.) Reports from the frontier state that a portion of the Afghan army has revolted and is assisting tho rebels, and that tho King and Queen have taken rofugo in a fort. Tho latter report is not confirmed. Wireless communications with Kabul have broken down. Tho gravest anxiety exists for tbe safety of the foreign legations, No letters have been received from the British legation for a month. It is rumoured that tho whole Afghan army has not boon paid for a considerable time, which, combined with tho anti-reform propaganda, has contributed to the desertion of many soldiers.

The Europeans in Kabul are reported to bo experiencing grave discomforts, as firewood and food supplies are always scarce,and expensive.—Australia* Press Association.