AFGHAN FERMENT

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIV, Issue 10288, 24 May 1919, Page 7

AFGHAN FERMENT

FRONTIER SITUATION QUIETER DEMORALISING EFFECT OF AIR RAIDS. By Telegraph—Press/ Association—CloDyriclil Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. (Received May 23, 7.45 p.m.) ALLAHABAD, May 21. The situation on the Afghan frontier is quiet. Air raids are having a demoralising effect on the enemy. The British forces occupying Dakka are undisturbed, but pickets on the Peshawar ridge aro being fired upon. Reports from other parts of the 'frontier are satisfactory. The attitude of the tribes remains good. BOMBS DROPPED ON AMIR'S PALACE. SIMLA, May 21. Six aerial raids were made on Jellalahad. Four bombs were dropped on the Amir's palace, and four amongst two thousand infantry on parade, causing fifty casualties. The infantry fled to the barracks, which were bombed, six direct hits being obtained. Altogether fifteen machines dropped two tons of boittbs on the town, which was much knocked about. Peshawar advices report that tho fa-te of the Amir's brother is doubtful. In some quarters it is reported that he died • a few days after the new Amir's accession, but the Afridis think he is still alive. It is stated that.'the. Amir offered* NasruUa the throne,: saying he himself was going to the Khyiber front in the uniform of a common soldier. Nasrulla deolined, on the ground that the offer should be made to the late Amur's eldest eon. Nasrulla also declined the command of the Khost army. • : ■ - : - The British Army authoritles^aie 7 making methodical plans to the war. Great quantities of stores and munitions are going forward to Khyber Pass. OFFICIAL ACCOUNT OF AFGHAN ATTACK. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.. LONDON, May 21. The Viceroy of India reports that the Afghans attacked on the IGtb, but were driven off, and the night was quiet. Our casualties numibered oibout 130. Our troops, with aeroplanes, attacked on the 12th, capturing a hill west of Dakka early in,the afternoon. Our casualties . have not yet been reported. The enemy's strength was eight battalions, and over a hundred dead were counted, 'most!/ i regular troops. Four A-'guhsl were captured. The commander reported on the 18th that the situation was very satisfactory. Our picfceits were holding the Kills west and northwest of Dakka. The successful action had an instantaneous and beneficial effect on the tribes.