ENGLAND & RUSSIA

Thames Star, Volume XVI, Issue 5058, 30 March 1885, Page 2

ENGLAND & RUSSIA

50,000 Russian Troops Massing

at Kakir.

Defence Preparations in Aus-

tralia.

Blockade at Melbourne.

[Reuteb's Tblegbams.]

London, March 27.

In the House of Lords to-day, Earl Granville, the Secretary for Foreign Affairs, stated that he had an interview yesterday (Thursday) with M. de Staal, the Russian Ambassador, on the subject of the communication recently made by Government to Eussia, respecting the state of affairs on the Afghan frontier. M. de Staal stated that his Government had still under consideration the reply to be made to the communication in question. . '..-''■,/ ,-'.•■ March 28.' The Times of to-day publishes a telegram stating that the [Russians are massing fifty thousand troops at Eakir, a fortified town on the western shore of the Caspian Sea.

Melboubne, Saturday. The Evening Herald states that the Governor has received a telegram indicating that war between England and Bussia is imminent, and that orders have consequently been issued by Government for a warship to go to Port Philip Heads. It also states that work on H.M.S« Nelson, now in dock, will proceed throughout tonight, bo as to get her ready for sea without delay.

This evening's World announces that H.M.S. Nelson has been ordered to Sydney to be in readiness for emergencies. The same paper states that enquiries made confirm the b^lisf that unusual

activity is now manifest iii both the naval and military departments.

Lateb (Sunday). A proclamation published in a Gazette last night prohibits foreign over sea vessels from entering the Heads between sunset and sunrise. Intercolonial and other vessels are prohibited from navigating the channel and bays unless accompauied by a qualified pilot. Tbe Victorian gunboat Albert proceeded to the Heads last night with orders to enforce the proclamation, and the Victoria follows shortly. Great activity is shown in the various | branches of the Defenco Department. It is announced that H.M.S. Nelson has received orders to be in readiness by Tuesday next for a cruiso along the coast.

[6PJJCIAI TO THE PBES3 ABSOOUTIOS.]

London, March 26. ,i The necessity of increasing the strength of the Australian squadron is being dis» cussed by the authorities.

The Admiralty desire to retain the services of Captain Rhodes, submarine mining engineer, who recently accepted a military appointment in Victoria, and in his stead are offering half-pay" officers. Mr R. Murray Smith, Agent-General for Victoria, is protesting against the request being acceded to.