RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1321, 31 March 1885, Page 1

RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

London, March 25.

A message from the Queen was read in Parliament to-day, announcing that in view of the grave emergency which has arisen in Foreign Affairs, it had been decided io call out the Militia and Reserves, the latter of which force would be embodied for permanent service. In consequence ofwar being imminent, the officers who have b»en absent on furlough are now hastening their return to India. Russia is bidding for an alliance with Turkey. March 26. Government have as yet received no answer to the communication addressed hv Earl Grenville to the Russian Foreign Office on ihe 16th March, on the Afghan frontier dispute.

March 27. In the House of Lords to-day, Earl Granville, Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stated that yesterday (Thursday) he had had an interview with M. de Stael, the Russian Ambassador, on the subject of the communication recently ma rf e by the Government to Russia, respecting the state of affairs on the Afghan fron* tier. M. de Stael stated that his Government had still under consideration . the reply to be made to the communication sent on the question.

March 28.

The Times to-day publishes a tele- v gram stating that Russia is massing 50.000 troops at Buka, a fortified town on the western shore of the Caspian Sea, Her Majesty’s war vessels Roylesfort and Black Prince will probably be added to tbe strength of the Australian squadron. General Stewart, Commander-in-Chief in India, will at once take the field with 50.000 troops. General Hardinge and Lieutenant-General Sleigh-Robert will command the division, and H.R.H. the Duke of Connaught the Reserves, who , u amber 10,000. The Eugli«h Government have arranged for thirty transports, which are now being prepared for carrying re-* inforcements to India,

Recently the Russians have attempted to purchase several swift cruisers in England, but they have been frustrated. The English Government are arming the steamers Arizona, America, Oregon , and Alaska, which will be used in the event of hostilities breaking out with Russia, Several other vessels are also to be armed, so as to be ready in case of emergency, '

Calcutta, March 26. It is announced that General Sir Frederick Roberts with the force of 25,000 men, now being mobilised, will proceed without delay to occupy the Bolan Pass.

Troops to the number of 15,000 will ■v. be drafted from England to India, m order to supply the place of 'the force - despatched to the Southern Afghan frontier.

Bombay, March 28.

Intelligence received announces the arrival of the Viceroy at Rawalpindee. The telegrams report that great enthusiasm is being displayed throughout the Punjaub in connection with Uls Excellency’s visit and the expected arrival of the Ameer of Afghanistan in the district. At a formal reception of the Viceroy at Rawalpindee a number of prominent native chiefs were present, and the proceedings were attended with much splendour and eclat. Earl Ltuffenn made a speech, on the occasion of which he dwelt upon the loyalty shown by the various native Princes in offering military assistance to Great Britain at the present juncture. These offers, his Lordship added, proved that the Princes fully recognised the ffrra respect entertained by England for the tights of the Indian native states,

Melbourne, March 28

The Evening Herald states that the Governor has received a telegram indicating that war between England and Russia is imminent.

March 25.

A proclamation was published in the Gazette yesternight. prohibiting foreign over sea vessels entering the heads between sunset and sunrise. Intercolonial and other vessels are prohibited from navigating the channel and bay unless' accompanied by a qualified pilot. The Victorian gunboat Albert proceeded to the Heads last night, in order to enforce the proclamation, and the Victoria follows shortly. Great activity is shown in the various branches of the Defence Department. It is announced that H.M.B. Nelson has received orders to be in readiness on Tuesday next to cruise along the coast. Wellington, March 29.

Up to midnight the’G »verhment had not received any important cables from Home. The latest information received was to the effect that considerable anxiety was felt in London as to the result of the negotiations with Russia, and also that Earl Granville had intimated that England would not flinch from the stand she has taken in this matter.