ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

Temuka Leader, Issue 1329, 18 April 1885, Page 1

ANGLO-RUSSIAN DIFFICULTY.

London, April 14. In the House of Commons to-day, Mr Gladstone made a statement to the effect that the Russian Foreign Office had received recent pacific assnrances as to the policy of their Government in regard to the Afghan frontier, and had stated that any change made by the Russian commander in the position of the troops near Penjdeh would be contrary to the intention and orders of the Russian Government.

The report published yesterday by the Daily News to the effect that the troops forming the various camel corps in Egypt were to be withdrawn is declared to be without foundation. It is announced that the Peninsular and Oriental Company’s new steamer Mdssilia and another vessel, belonging to one of the large ; ocean lines 1 are being equipped to serve as armed cruisers on the Australian naval station. ! _ . April 15. The Ameer of Afghanistan will reach Kandahar on Saturday next, when he will declare what action he intends Inking with respect to the Russian encroachment. Heavy floods in Afghanistan have rendered the movement of troops most difficult. The P. and 0. Company’s steamer Valetta, will also he equipped for in Australian waters, The Black Sea is choked with vessels. The Yoluu'eer Reserve in India is 50,000 men. Subject to General Koniaroff not advancing, the basis of the Afghanistan fi-MUier delimitation will be agreed upon. Pcnj'leh will ho ced' d to Russia) the Ameer consenting to this course,

April 16. The offer made by the Canadian Government in March last to send 8000 men to the Soudan has been renewed, but this time the offer is for service in Afghanistan. It is expected that the Admiralty will charter one of (he New Zealand Shipping Company’s steamers, probably the Rirautaka or Kaikoura, as a cruiser. It has been decided to equip fifteen fast cruisers which are to be stationed at the most frequented ports in the event of an outbreak of hostilities with Russia. The Shah of Persia offers England the assistance of 40,000 troops. Bombay, April 15. Earl Dufferin, the Viceroy of India, who is now returning from Rawalpindee to Calcutta, was to-dav presented at Lahore with an address from the local Municipal Board. Replying to the same, His Excellency took occasion to say that the dominions of the Ameer of Afghanistan had been the scene of an unprovoked attack on the part of the Russian forces, and be rejoiced to find that the Princes and people of India were rallying to the British standard. It was impossible, His Excellency added, to forsee the end of the present crisis, but if war resulted it would be in spite of the efforts and moderation on the part ■ f England. - Melbourne, April 16. The Australian Superintendent of the Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company confirms the news that the Massilia is to be employed as an armed cruiser on the Australian station, and states that she will be immediately handed over to the Naval authorities at Sydney.

The Wellington correspondent of the Press, telegraphing on Thursday, says ; — 1 “ I have just interviewed ISir Julius Vogel in reference to the cablegram published this evening from the Press Association Special Correspondent re 'he cession of Penjdeh to Russia, and iim informed the Government have ■■(■ceived no advice on the subject from 'he Agent-General, In official circles iie statement is generally discredited, ft is pointed out Hie Ameer could hardly be a consenting party to the cession of the territory indicated, inasmuch as if Reuter’s information be correct the Ameer will not reach Kandahar before Saturday next.”