AFGHANISTAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 22 May 1919, Page 5

AFGHANISTAN.

TRIBESMEN. HOSTILE TO AFGHANS. somewhat obscure.. deceived May 22, 1.20 a.m. Peshawar, May 20. Khyber having ceased to.be, for the ■resent, the danger point, the situation las developed at Kurram, With the exception of a few outhvwß at Turis, * the Wakirig an firm in a resolve to permit no Afghans in their territory. Bbns have already been made to pecnre Knrram against the Afghans' threat, and nothing has happened beyond sniping at pickets at Parachinar. The stormy petrel, the mullah Mir flkhib Jan Badshah, whom the troops call "Jimmy Bradshaw," appealed to ftajaur, but was forced to leave in 1915. He induced a combined force of Mohfeandg and Swatis to try to overthrow the Government, with disastrous results. fie recently visited the Mohmands, but the latter were busy dividing the loot •btained at the Dakka, and dismissed kirn.

Frontier experts agree that, except for ft few outlaws, the tribesmen will tot welcome the passage of an ill-discip-lined force of Afghan troops through their territory. Only after many years' experience have they acquiesced in the presence of British troops. The tribal country does not trust' the Afghans, as the latter have no supplies, and are forced to exist ion the country they are passing through. The Amir's stay in Kabul is exciting comment, the army demanding hv presence in Jelallabad.

Official.—No further operation is reported from Dakka. Yar Muhammad's band at Chora is believed to have been dispersed, and sniping has practically ceased in Khyber. The situation in Kurram remains obscure, the Afghans picketing 'Paiwar Bridge and adopting an aggressive attitude, firing on our pickets at night. Conditions are also unsettled in Khost, where General Nadir Khan, commanding, is expected to arrive from Matun, on the 20th with detachments of regulars and tribal Lascars. Reports from other parts ate satisfactory, and the attitude of the tribes b good.—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Assn.