WAR WITH AFGHANS

Taranaki Daily News, 12 May 1919, Page 5

WAR WITH AFGHANS

AN ATTACK ON INDIA. British Forces Advancing. A Clash Imminent. deceived May 11, 5.5 p.m. London, May 8. It is officially stated that the position in Afghanistan has changed with remarkable rapidity. Disaffection lias spread among the troops, who demanded vengeance for the late murdered Amir Habibu.!lah a Despite the ostentatious unanimity with which the recent durbar was execute!?, Ali Kaza condemned NasriUla to lifelong gaol. It is now openly stated that innocent persons were punished and the real nulprits escaped. Amanulla, fearing rebellion, resolved on the perilous measure ot embarking on war against India, spri':uh'/t;: false stories among the soldiery of the troublous Punjab and depicting the rich bazaars at the mercy of the Afghan invaders. The Viceroy sent the strongest express message to Amanulla, conveying a stern waniing. but without, success. Afghan troops are now arriving on various points of the border. The Brit-i-;ii Iro'.i;;.; are already moving to their allotted places for concentration.

The attitude of the tribesmen at the moment is admirable. The Afridis remain -.tannr';-., whij't th" Mohmands told Sir George Roos Keppel, Chief Commissioner of the North-West Frontier, that they were prepared to fight on our side.

Much disunion is believed to exist at Kabul. Amanulla is reported to have visited Nasrulla and Inayatulla in prison, and offered them liberty in return for leading an army against India. Both refused. Nasrulla is now believed to have been poisoned in gaol. Aeroplanes will probably play an important part in the fighting.

Tho Afghan and British forces are now rapidly r.earing each other.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter.

AFGHANS ENTER OUR TERRITORY. HILLMEN REMAIN' LOYAL. DISLOYAL AGENTS AT WORK IN INDIA. Received May 11, 11,10 p.m. Simla, May 8. Khan Kliala has sent a message to the GovernuiMieneral of Baluchistan deploring the insensate conduct of Amanulla, and renewing his assurance of the unswerving loyalty of his tribesmen. The leaders of the Quetta community and the tribesmen have done likewise. Martial law has been declared "la Peshawar.

The Afghan postman in Peshawar, grossly abusing his position, distributed inflammatory literature. He subsequently left his office and went to the centre of the city. He surrounded himself with a gang of armed ruffians and openly defled British authority. A secret cordon was drawn round the city, and the postmaster and staff were surprised and surrounded. Peshawar was cleared of its dangerous elements.

Simla, May 10. The Afghan force at Kotal reinforced the enemy troops, and advanced to Ashkelil, thus encroaching on territory within the British limits. A small force of Afghan regulars have moved into the Afghan Mohmand country with the object of stiffening any tribesmen whom they may succeed in Taking. A significant feature is that the Ameer's exhortation failed to enlist the sympathies of the independent tribes, from whom he expected immediate support.

The Afridi Mullahs informed the political agent at Rhyber that our troops would be welcome at Alimesjid. They were picketing Chora Kandam and other points south of Kltyber.

None of the Lashkar tribes responded to the Ameer's appeal and his emissaries received no support in Waziristan The Government has proof that disloyal agents in India have been communicating with the Ameer. —Aue. N.Z. Cable Assoc. and Reuter.