AFGHAN KING’S FLIGHT

Hokitika Guardian, 16 January 1929, Page 5

AFGHAN KING’S FLIGHT

ENEMIES IN PURSUIT. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright). LONDON, Jan. 14. Amaifullah’s flight to Kandahar lenders it easier for linn to quit Afghanistan, but the position is still perilous, as many of his recent adherents are anxious to side with the rebels. The i objective from Kandahar would be ■ . Quetta, but lie may select some other r' destination in order to be more certain of escaping the vengeance of his enemies, who will undoubtedly pursue him even to India. It is certain that he can never remain in safety elsewhere in the East and probably therefore, should he effect an escape, he will eventually live in retirement in Paris. No Moslem warrior can understand the psychology of a man who seeks safety rather than die fighting. His flight will foreover end hope of regaining his lost position. U NEW KING UNDER INFLUENCE OF PRIESTS. LONDON, Jan. 1.1. The Afghan Legation in London has informed the Daily Telegraph that it has received a message from Kabul. “Relating to the internal feud, King Amnnuflnh, out of patriotic and friendly feelings and of his own freewill, handed over his kingdom to his elder brother. Existing relations with foreign countries will continue.” It is understood that Jnayatulla Kran is sympafchete to Britain, ami eonequently relations with India are likely to .he amicable. The now ruler is a thoroughly orthodox Moslem, and is greatly under the ' influence of the priests. It is improf*- ■■ -able that lie will repeat ‘his brother's mistake of forcing unpopular reforms.

ABDICATION CAUSES SENSATION

(Reco.’ved this day afc 8.30. sum.) T)Klill I, Jan. 15. News of King Amaimllah’s abdication in favour of his brother, caused a sensation in Jndlsu Information from Ksihnl shows that the military and the political situation has been critical for some days. Big forces of rebels are attacking the King’s troops around tins capital and Shinwaris and Khugiaiiis surrounded a detachment of Afghan troops at .Jagdalak. Apparently the King’s withdrawal of reforms .failed to placate the fanatical tribal leaders. A Just previous to Ids abdication King 7 Amanullnh retired to Kabul, the capital, with large stores of ammunition, apparently prepared for a last stand. VIEWS ON ABDICATION. LONDON, January 15. Ever since the Afghan revolt, the .German press has persistently published inuendoes that British influence is behind the revolt. Now “ Peutcho 1 legem i lie Zcitung ” states: “The abdication has improved British pres, tige, even if they are perhaps wrongly considered to he the instigators of the rebellion. The British Government, nevertheless, is interested in the re. inoval of a monarch of Soviet sympathies. It is an important step in the VJ*Anglo-Kussian struggle for influence In Y Central''Afjia.” J BARIS, January 15. ‘‘lV Echo de Paris” says King Amaiiullali proved hostile to the Delhi Government. It is not surprising if the rebels found a certain, measure . oil lionevolynet 1 on tlie nort h-wesf liontier,

JtiaCRADK XKAYS. 'IIKRUX, January In. II is r>ported from tlio dictatorship is hemming more absolute. The whole ol the electoral laws aie. now abolished. Two loading Zagreb newspapers were thrice confiscated Tor criticising the dictatorship and ceased publication,