The War in Afghanistan.

Auckland Star, Volume XI, Issue 3165, 10 September 1880, Page 2

The War in Afghanistan.

ADDITIONAL DISPATCHES. J (BY CABLE). t r .._ - . ■ iMlf Ayub's Overtures. SIMLA, September 2. j Furthci particulars are now to hand respecting the attempt of Ayub Khan to enter into negotiations with General Koberts. It appears that the messengers from the Afghan leader were bearers of a letter from him coached in terms of apology for taking up arms against the vale of Kandahar and the i British forces. He declares that Ayub had no intention of engaging in hostilities against the latter, but was forced to do so. General Robert's reply to the above com- > munication was of a peremptory character, declining to entertain any proposals for peace except on two conditions, namely, the immediate surrender of all the English '•'■ and native prisoners in the hands of Ayub Khan, and the complete and unconditional . ■ j»»t"Mf'"l>n, of Avnb himtelf and-hiaad-iierent-. sio guarantees WsTeoHered for compliance with these conditions. Negotiations ceased at this point. Notwithstanding the overtures which were made by Ayub & han, there is every reason to believe he was fully prepared to resist the attack about to be made by General Roberts. Since his arrival in Argand-ab Valley, Ayub Khan has been actively engaged throwing up entrenchments and defensive work?, and the position he occupied'was oneof great strength. His • main body of troops is at Musa Jan, and so far from showing a disposition to retreatbefore encountering General Roberts he partly forced the fight which ensued. The forces under General Roberts numbered 16,000 men. Those under Aynb Khan numbered 25,000 three days since, but 6000 of his regulars deserted owing to the recognition of Abdur Rahman as Amir of Kabul. Lashini Khan, Mahomed Jan, Musa Khan,' and other nationalists, have just joined" Aynb with many Ghazis and Afghan forces. They took up a strong position. General Robert's force is in splendid condition. General Phayre had not at latest advices reached Takipul, where he expects some fighting. General Koberts, upon reconnoitreing, found that Ayub Khan had taken up a position with forces behind a ridge ot hills, which he held with great strength behind entrenchments. General Phayre is advancing with 5,000 well-composed troops and three batteries. _- General Roberts on entering Kandahar was received in State by Wall Shere Ali, and by Generals Primrose and Burrows, f, Thete was general rejoicing, as the Kandahar people were alarmed at the possibility of an entry of the Herat and Kabul soldiers of Ayub Khan. CALCUTTA, September 8. The Viceroy has received a telegram from General Roberts, reporting that Ayoub's losses in the recent engagement is very, severe. General Phayre, with his reinforcements, has arrived at Kandahar.