THE AFGHAN TROUBLE.

Hokitika Guardian, 30 May 1919, Page 2

THE AFGHAN TROUBLE.

IN AFGHANISTAN. 'Reuter’s Telegram.) PESHAWAR, May 24. Evidence is accumulating that power in Afghanistan is passing gradually in. to the hands of Sales Mahomed, com-niunder-in-ehicf, belonging to a Nurani‘

noble family. He was a trusted confi. dant of the late Amir, and although he finally joined Amauullah, he is acquitted of complicity, or knowledge of the murder of Habibullali. This fact ia important, because in spite of the Afghan predilection, for violence and crime, the Amir’s murder and subsequently the execution of an innocent man were the cause of indignation in Afghanistan, and even border Patiuns seem horror-struck. The adherence of Sales Mahomed alone kept Ani.xmflah on the throne. It remains to be seen which of these planned the -invasion of India. Both seem to have been misled regarding the internal situation in India. An Afghan postmaster at Peshawar, who is well-educated, but ill-balanced and emotional, received exaggerated reports of Indian seditious and Punjab riots and told the Amir that the time was cipportune. It is important to note that the Afghan army leaders all say they have been ordered to make peace, but they themselves are unwilling to return to their own country whatever

happens. Profound peace is reported on the Dacca front. The Afghans in Kurram have not crossed -The Peiwar Kotal. There are signs of activity in the Moll mand country, where tho mullahs and Jan Badchad are endeavouring to foment trouble.

AFGHAN OERiATIONS. ALLAHABAD, May 27. Aeroplane reconnaissances disclosed tli* Afghans retreating between Jellalabad, and Kabul. Both towns were bombed, direct hits being obtained on a powder factory, resulting ill a terrific exploson.

| The attack at Bashgul Ryer gave ' the British four guns and a quantity of stores.

i Tlie enemy lost 250 killed. The British casualties were slight. PESHAWAR, May 27. The Dalcka front is quiet. General Nadir Khan, who has ar_ rived at Mat-nil. is now beginning to ' show signs of activity, j A mixed force of Kliost' tribesmen | and Afghan regulars hare advanced ! down the Kaitua river- and have cross-

cd the British border in the direction of Spimvan. The small British frontier post there has been safely withdrawn. Similar measures have been taken at exposed posts in upper Tochi, -which are liable to attack, should a tribal rising eventuate on the Kliost or Birmil border. Some, Afghan regular troops, with Khostwal Laslikars, are reported to be taking up a position on the right bank of the Kuriam river, opposite Thai. The general officer commanding in Belucliistan reports the British captured Baidak fort.