THE OUTBREAK OF WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2673, 15 April 1885, Page 2

THE OUTBREAK OF WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

THE BATTLE ON THE RIVER MURGHAB. DEMANDS OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. 70,000 RUSSIANS ADVANCING. RUSSIAN CRUISERS. ENGLAND'S PREPARATION. BENGAL PATRIOTIC FUND. FEARS FOR THE SAFETY OF THE SUEZ CANAL. [SPECIAL TO PRESS ASSOCIATION.] London, April 9. The " Standard " states that a battle has been fonght in the vicinity of the River Murgbab, between a number of Russians and Afghans, during which 500 of the combatants were killed. It is believed the Russians were defeated. April 10. It is reported that the Government demand the disavowal by the Russians of the action taken by General Komaroff in engaging the Afghans, and also insist upon the return of the Russian forces to the former position. The Times and the Standard insist on the retirement of the Russians from the disputed territory, otherwise war will result. It is believed that 70,000 Russians are advancing from Askabad, a fortified town belonging to Russia in Central Asia. Russia has equipped nine cruisers in the Gulf of Finland, and is also arranging for the purchase of three others in America. April 11. Information has been received that immediately on receipt of the news of the conflict between the Russians and Afghans the Czir of Russia wired to General Ivomaroff, demanding au explanation. The Ameer of Afghanistan was much distressed on hearing of the en«a«euient against his troops. It is mentioned that England could have ready for embarkation, should hostilities with Russia occur, 20,000 men at two days' notice. The European Press generally condemn the action taken by General Komaroff. The English Press and the public demand that that officer should be recalled, and they consider that Russia is now only trifling with a view to gaining more time. The patriotic fund of the Bengal natives has amounted to seventy lacs of rupees (£840,000). April 12. It ia feared that the Russians will make an attempt to disable the Suez Canal. Admira' Hornby will probably command the Baltic fleet. The Black Sea, the Sea of Azof, and the lower portion of the Baltic, will remain open. The Morning Post states that the Emperor of Germany considers General Komaroff the aggressor in the recent action against the Afghans. His Majesty urges that the Afghan difficulty should be settled by arbitration at the animal meeting of tho Emperors at Skieimeviel, j

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE AFGHAN FRONTIER. RUSSIAN PACIFIC ASSURANCES. ORDERS TO THE COMMANDER. (Received April 15, 2.45 p.m.) Evening. In the House of Commons to-day, the Hon. Mr Gladstone made a statement to the effect that the Russian Foreign Office had renewed the recent pacific assurances as to the policy of the Government in regard to the Afghan frontier, and had stated that any change made by the Russian commander in the position of the troops near Penjdeb would be contrary to the intentions and orders of Government.