RUSSIA, AFGHANISTAN, AND ENGLAND.

Kumara Times, Issue 2686, 1 May 1885, Page 2

RUSSIA, AFGHANISTAN, AND ENGLAND.

[REUTER’S TELEGRAMS.] By Electric Telegraph—Copyright,

EVENT OF WAR BETWEEN ENGLAND AND RUSSIA. TURKISH DEFENSIVE WORKS ON THE DARDANELLES. THE PENJDEH INCIDENT. ENGLAND’S PROPOSITION TO RUSSIA REGARDING HERAT. RUSSIAN OCCUPATION OF MERUTCHAK CONTRADICTED. THE AFGHANS STILL AT BALA MURGHAD. NOTICE TO PENSIONERS AND THE NAVAL RESERVE.

(Received April 30, 10.3 p.m.) Constantinople, April 29. The European Powers are urging upon the Porte the desirability of maintaining strict neutrality in the event of an outbreak of war between England and Russia. The Turkish Government, however, are increasing the defensive works on the Dardanelles* and at Therapia, on the Bosphorus. (Received May 1, la.m.) London, April 30. The Times this morning states that England has proposed an inquiry into the recent Penjdeh incident, and offered to delimitate the Afghan fronter line in accordance with the views of Russia on the condition that the country undertakes and binds herself by treaty never to seize Herat. (Received May 1, 2.30 p.m.) Night. Earl Granville, in the House of Lords, and the Hon. W. E. Gladstone,

in the Honse of Commons, announced to-day that Government had received a telegram from Sir Peter Lumsden stating that there was no foundation for the report that the Russians had advanced from Penjdeh, and occupied Merutcbak. Lumsden further stated in the telegram that the Afghans were still at Bala Murghab, to the south of Merutchak, on the Murghab River. The Admiralty announce that Naval pensioners and members of the Royal Naval Reserve are required to be in readiness for service on short notice.