AFGHANISTAN.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 July 1919, Page 5

AFGHANISTAN.

WILY AFGHAN DELEGATES. USE BOLSHEVIK LEVER. t ~ CONFERENCE MAY FAIL. By Telegraph.—Press Mm - Copyright. Delhi, July 25. The Afghan peace delegates have arrived at Kawal Pindi. They expressed surprise at the size of the British camps and the military preparations. The peace conference opens on Saturday morning.—Aus. N.Z. Cable Assoc. Received July 28, 9.30 p.m. Simla, July 27. j At the peace conference, after Sir Hamilton Grant's address, Ali Ahmad, president of the Afghan delegation, urged forbearance on both sides. He denied that the Afghans first sought peace, but admitted British superiority in war material and man-power. He pointed out that the Germans held a similar position in the European war. The Afghans were not a sleepy and ignorant people. They possessed fresh aspirations like other nations that participated in the European war. He declared that Afghanistan was a safe barrier against Bolshevism in India. If the war was renewed and the British won, India would be flooded with 'Bolshevism, which would only be checked by a just and honorable peace. The conference is sitting in camera. The Afghans are proving obstinate and unreasonable, and thore are indications that the conference will soon be dissolved.—Reuter. ADDRESS TO PEACE DELEGATES. SOME STRAIGHT TALK. Received July 28, 5.5 p.m. Simla, July 2". In the peace negotiations at Rawal Pindi, Sir Hamilton Grant, British representative, addressing the Afghan delegates in strong terms, said the British (Jovemment would be amply justified in continuing the war until the Amir surrendered unconditionally. The Government was not prepared to consider any counter-claims. The Afghans had flag' rantly disregarded the terms of the armistice, and British patience was not inexhaustible. If the war were, renewed the terms would be very different, The delegates listened without a murmur.— Renter.