UNDER FIRE.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 305, 26 December 1928, Page 7

UNDER FIRE.

BRITISH LEGATION

Shells Destroy Residence In

Kabul.

REBELS REPULSED.

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association.)

(Received 10 a.m.)

DELHI, December 25.

The situation in the south of Afghanistan has improved hut the frontier tribesmen are watching the events in Kabul, and it is not known how they will turn. It is admitted that there have been desertions from the army, but the majority are now rallying to the throne.

The British Legation, for thfee dajs, has been a no-man's land between the rebels and the State forces. The Military Attache's house was destroyed by shellfire but the rebels have now been pushed back.

The revolution is believed to be due to King Amanullah's defiance of the Mullahs and his impetuous introduction of reforms in connection with education, women, the poorly paid army, the expensive building of a new capital and high officials receiving small salaries.

The Afghan Government is now reasserting its authority. The rebels have received a distinct check. The British Legation is clear of rebels, and contact was established with the capital.

Jalalabad is still besieged, and its relief is at present impossible, but th^ Mohmands are co-operating with the Afghan troops.

A message l»as been received giving details of the removal of the European women and children from Kabul.

A large troop-carrier 'plane and 20 Air Force 'planes flew from Peshawur and Kisalpur to Kabul at the week-end and rescued the British women and children from the British Legation.

Yesterday 25 women and children were taken from the French and German Legations, and arrived at Peshawur. An Air Force 'plane escorted 20 others.

Radio communication between Peshawur and Kabul was re-established yesterdav. It is learned that King Amanullah is still in Kabul, but Queerj Souriya and his mother have gone to Kandahar with the Court officials. KING'S MOTHER. Flight From Kabul To Kandahar To Recruit Forces. BOMBING RAIDS EFFECTIVE. (United Service.) LONDON, December 25. The Moscow correspondent of the "Daily News" says King Amanullah's mother escaped from Kabul by an aeroplane and flew in it to Kandahar, 230 miles south-west of Kabul, to rally the southern tribes, with whom she is popular.

King Amanullah's wireless set is working again, and it is reported that the position in Kabul has improved. The rebels have been forced to evacuate Baga Bala, the fortified hill dominating the city which they had held for a week, in spite of being bombed by an aeroplane and of an artillery bombardment.

The main forces of the rebels were also driven from the suburbs of Kabul.

The Government troops are still holding out in Jalalabad. The Mohmand tribesmen are moving to their relief.

The British aeroplanes are again flying fiver Kabul, and the airmen are dropping warnings that the British resident* must ho respected. It is stated in Moscow that King Ainanullah has at Kabul 11,000 regular troops and ten artillery batteries with over 4000 troops, and that there are six batteries in Jalalabad. ALL QUIET. LATEST FROM KABUL. (Australian and N.Z. Press Association.) (Received 11.30 a.m.) CALCUTTA, December 25. Passengers aboard the British airplane, which arrived at Peshawar to-day from Kabul, reported all quiet in the Afghan capital. The passengers included eleven French women, ten German women and four children belonging to the respective legations at Kabul. Some were anxious about the safety of foreigners who remained in the capital.