FRONTIER WARFARE.

Taranaki Daily News, 10 December 1919, Page 5

FRONTIER WARFARE.

CAMPAIGN m INDIAN HILLS. TBOTJBLOUS TRIBES. Sy Tettp*!*.—Pros Ana —Copyright Beceived Dec. 9, 5.5 p.m. Delhi, Dec 7. The Foreign Department has issued a statement explaining the events leading to the JVaziristan trouble. The Department points ont that while interfering as little as possible with tribal Independence it has been necessary to maintain posts»garrisoned by local militia within certain protected areas, notably Upper Tochi and Wana. In view of this partial occupation, and their undertaking not to raid other friendly tribes or British territory, the Wazin and the Mahsuds for many years received * liberal subsidies and were treated with the utmost consideration. When a concentration of Afghan forces was rendered necessary the British withdrew the militia from the outposts at Sochi and Wana. In May, tte Wariris turned against us and conducted numerous raids. In July they informed an Afghan General that if the Afghans supplied tines and money they would drive the British across the Biver Indus. After peace with Afghanistan was signed the raids continued, and consequently the present punitive operations were undertaken in ojder to obtain security for the harassed border populations under British rule, and. to teach the recalcitrant tribes a much seeded lesson—Aus.-N.Z. Cable Alan.