AMIR'S DEATH.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 266, 10 November 1933, Page 7

AMIR'S DEATH.

AFGHAN MYSTERY.

Believed Part of Plot to Restore

Ex-King.

MURDERER IN COURT CIRCLES?

(United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright)

(Received 10.30 a.m.) CALCUTTA, November 9

Only very meagre information has been received in official quarters of the India Government at New Delhi of the murder of King Nadir Khan of Afghanistan. This describes his assassin as a student. It is generally believed that the murder is connected with the plot to restore Amanullah to the throne, which resulted in several executions recently in Kabul.

British military authorities are of opinion that there will be little disturbance, provided the Army and the students support the new King, which is likely as the Army is well fed, well disciplined, regularly paid , and led by a capable and apparently loyal general.

All is quiet in Afghanistan at present, and road and telegraph communications with India through the Khyber Pass are intact, but only Afghan State messages are allowed over the wires.

The story is current in Peshawar that Nadir was murdered in his Palace by domestic servants, who fired three times while the King was leaving his harem, later killing him with daggers.

General regret is felt in India at the death of the King, whose reign was proving beneficial to Afghanistan. A high British official at New Delhi, who has been counsellor in the British Legation in Kabul, said: "We have been fearing this might happen for some time owing to the bitterness between the factions in Afghanistan. It is impossible to predict what the events may lead to, but it is significant that the assa,ssination occurred during the absence on tour of the Premier, the Foreign Minister and the Minister of Commerce."

A Kabul message says that Kabul is reticent on the fact that the assassination was combined with the use of the word "traitor," and that Nadir was killed in his Palace. This suggests that the murderer was someone in court circles.

One report states that the King was killed while resting in his Palace, while another is current that the manner of Nadir's death and the identity of his assassin constitute a complete mystery.

The new King, Zahir, son of Nadir Khan, is married and has two children. He has been recently acting as War Minister. A communique states that he is well versed in Western and Eastern culture and modern education.

The people are stunned by the crime, which brought so violent an end to the life of the King. The latest message from Kabul, says the whole nation has vowed allegiance to the new King.

MOSLEM WORLD SHOCKED.

AMANULLAH WATCHES EVENTS

(Received 12.30 p.m.)

LONDON, November 9.

The flag at the Afghan Legation was at half-mast to-day. The Minister in London went to Paris to confer with the Afghan Minister there, who is a brother of the late King.

The Embassy stated that the murder is incomprehensible and shocks all the Moslem world. It is an act of treachery because the King was beloved by everyone.

A Rome message says Amanullah, the ex-King, is watching events carefully but does not intend to leave Italy. He stated that his position is not affected.