AFGHAN RISING

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 74, 20 December 1928, Page 11

AFGHAN RISING

FIGHTING IN KABUL BRITISH SUBJECTS IN CITY >.■ DISAFFECTION IN ARMY REPORTED * (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 18. The Afghan rising has reached Kabul, where fighting is taking place. It is understood that there are between 300 and 400 British Indian subjects in Kabul, some of whom are Sikhs and Hindus, and also about 16 British European subjects, most of whom are 'at the British Legation. They include 1 Lieut-Colonel Sir Francis Humphrys, the British Minister, and his wife. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Association.) Delhi, December 18. Reports from the frontier state that a portion of the Afghan army has revolted. and is assisting the rebels, and ' that the King and Queen have taken . refuge in Kabul Fort. The latter reipdrt is unconfirmed. Wireless communications with Kabul have broken down. There is the gravest anxiety . for the safety of the foreign legations. No letters have been received from the British Legation for a month. It is rumoured that the whole of the Afghan army has not been paid for a considerable time, which, combined with anti-reform propaganda, has contributed to the desertion of many soldiers. Europeans in Kabul are reported to be experiencing grave discomfort, as firewood and food supplies are always scarce and expensive.” ROYAL FAMILY AND LEGATION ■ SAFE REVOLT IN ARMY DENIED . (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) i I . London, December 18. The Afghan Legation has been informed that the Royal Family and all members of the Legation at Kabul are safe, and also that there is no army revolt. Yesterday’s minor incidents are attributed to a brigand chief. INDIA PREPARED TO GIVE \ RELIEF (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 19,11.55 p.m.)

- - London, December 19. • The ‘‘Daily Telegraph,” the “Morning Post,” and other papers are publishing cable messages from India saying that the trouble in Afghanistan is continuing, but the British Legation is at present safe. The Government of India is prepared to give relief, if necessary. HAND OF THE SOVIET WATCHERS AND AGENTS IN ’ ’ REBEL CAMPS SIMILAR EVENTS TO THOSE IN INDIA (Australian Press Association.) London, December . 18. The newspapers are giving prominence to the grave news from Afghanistan, especially- to the report that King Amanullah has been obliged to. take refuge In a fort. . • ; The ‘‘Daily Telegraph” editorially observes that Britain has learned from bitter experience that the passions roused by Afghan feuds are not confined to Afghan affairs. There is always a possibility of an anti-European outlnirst.

Tfie “Morning Post’s” diplomatic correspondent says that, apart from Soviet aviation instructors in King Amanullah’s army, it is known that Moscow hast watchers and agents in the rebel camps. Editorially, the “Morning Post” says: “Wjiat hand the Soviet is playing in this imbroglio is not yet plain, but the Indian Government no doubt marks the ominous similarity to the events of early 1919, when, as now, agitators were active in India. The hand of the sajne conspirators can be traced in both cases, and India and her protectors must therefore closely watch these Afghan developments.” RUSSIAN ARRESTED IN CALCUTTA (United Service.) (Rcc. December 19, 10.40 p.m.) Delhi, December 19. Otto Raymond, a Russian, ostensiblj’ walking round the world, was arrested at Calcutta, where he has been for two months. The allegation is that he is engaged in Soviet espionage and arms smuggling. His walks included the North-west Frontier and important military centres. Other arrests are expected. • - Johnston, American representative of the League Against Imperialsni, was served with an order of summary deportation while addressing a meeting on the Jharia coalfields.

ARRESTS IN CONNECTION WITH LAHORE MURDER

lUnitPd Service.). (Rec. December 19, 10.40 p.m:) Delhi, December 19. There have been eight arrests in connection with the Lahore murder.