THE OUTBREAK OF WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

Kumara Times, Issue 2675, 18 April 1885, Page 2

THE OUTBREAK OF WAR BETWEEN RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. THE AFGHAN FRONTIER QUESTION. BELIEFS IN A PEACABLE SETTLEMENT. PRESENT POSITION OF FORCES NEAR THE AFGHAN FRONTIER. (Received April 18, 12.30 p.m.) London, April 17. The belief that a peaceful settlement will be effected of the difficulty between England and Russia in regard to the Afghan frontier question is hourly increasing. St. Petersburg, April 17. In his latest despatch to the Russian Government, Komaroff reports that the Afghans have evacuated all their posts on the frontier, and that the Russian troops remain stationary. [special to press association.] London, April 14. It is feared that the Russians will attack Maruohak and Zulfikar. [Maruchak is situated about twenty miles south of Penjdeh, on the Murghab River. Zulhkur is about twenty miles south of Pul-i-Khatun, on the Heri-Rud.] The European Press urge that Prince Bismarck should mediate in the settlement of the Russian difficulty. The Russian squadron stationed at Naples has been ordered to proceed to the Baltic. In the engagement between the Russians and Afghans on the 30th March, the loss of the latter was 930 killed and wounded. The ironclads which have been selected to strengthen the China and Australian Squadrons will be ready in May. April 15. The P. and 0. Company’s steamer Massilia and others will he fully equipped for service in Australian waters. The Ameer of Afghanistan will reach Kandahar on Saturday next, when he will declare what action he intends taking with respect to the Russian encroachment. Heavy floods in Afghanistan have rendered the movement of troops most difficult. Subject to General Komaroff not advancing, the basis of the Afghan

frontier determination will be agreed upon. The town of Penjdeh will be ceded to Russia, the Ameer of Afghanistan consenting. April 16. The P. and 0. Company’s steamer Yaletta will also be equipped for service in the Australian waters. The Black Sea is choked with vessels. The Volunteer reserve in India is 50,000 men. The offer made by the Canadian Government in March last to send 3000 men to the Soudan has been renewed, but this time the offer is for service in Afghanistan. It is expected that the Admiralty will charter one of the New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamers, probably the Rimutaka or Kaikoura, as a cruiser. It has been decided to equip fifteen fast cruisers which are to be stationed at the moat frequented ports in the event of an outbreak of hostilities with Russia. The Shah of Persia offers England the assistance of forty thousand troops.