LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

Kumara Times, Issue 2662, 19 March 1885, Page 2

LATEST BRITISH AND FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE.

m [REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. STATE OF AFFAIRS IN AFGHANISTAN. THE RUSSIAN TROOPS ENCAMPED NEAR PENJDEH. ASSURANCES FROM RUSSIA. FRANCO-CHINESE DIFFICULTY. THE GERMAN GOYERNMENT OFFERING ITS SERYICES. (Received March 18, 5.10 p.m.) London, March 17. In the House of Commons to-day the Hon. Mr Gladstone announced that in reply to a telegram to the Russian Government requesting it to confirm the agreement recently entered into with Councillor de Staal (the Emperor’s Ambassador in London) to the effect that no further advance of troops should take place on either side in Afghanistan, De Giers, the Russian Minister of Foreign Affairs, had replied that the Russian troops would not advance unless the Afghans did so, or unless troubles occurred at Penjdeh, near which place the Russian troops were now encamped. (Received March 19, 11 a.m.) March 18. It is stated that the German Government has offered its services with a view of bringing about an amicable settlement of the Frarco-Chinese difficulty. [special to press association.] London, March 12. Lord Carington will be accompanied by a large suite, and the hospitalities of the office will be dispensed in a liberal style. Lady Carington intends to take an active interest in all social matters. Mr J. F. Garrick and Mr Murray Smith, the Agents-Geueral for Queensland and Victoria, are protesting against England's retrocession in regard to the New Guinea boundaries. March 13. Pacific assurances have been received from the Czar in regard to Afghan affairs. The Standard states that Earl Dufferin, Viceroy of India, has been warned to prepare for emergencies, and the Ameer of Afghanistan has been assured that his territory will be protected. The Czar writes to the Emperor of Germany that he does not think the Afghanistan difficulty will threaten peace. The St. Petersburg journals are writing on the subject in a very pacific tone. Sir Evelyn Ashley stated in the House of Commons that England would never surrender the New Hebrides for the purpose of penal settlement. March 15. Special services have been held in all the Cathedrals in connection with the death of General Gordon. The concessions made by England in regard to the Camaroons, on the West Coast of Africa, as well as those made in reference to New Guinea, have satisfied Germany. March 16. Mr Murray Smith, Agent-Geneial for Victoria, delivered an address on Federation at Cambridge, on Saturday. Prince Albert Victor attended, and Mr W, E. hors ter made a powerful speech. At the conclusion of Mr Smith s address a branch ol the Federation League was formed.