AFGHAN REBELLION

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 75, 21 December 1928, Page 7

AFGHAN REBELLION

BRITISH AEROPLANE SHOT DOWN INDIAN GOVERNMENT ANXIOUS EFFECT ON NORTH-WEST FRONTIER r The Indian Government is anxious concerning the situation in Afghanistan in view of the effect of a fanatical war on the North-west frontier. Official telegrams received in London, however, state that the Afghan Government is in control of the situation, and that Europeans are safe.

■United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

(Australian Press Association.)

Delhi, December 19.

It is reported that the Afghan rebels have seized two forts overlooking Kabul, with large quantities of arms and ammunition, and are awaiting reinforcements for a big assault.

A British Air Force aeroplane, which attempted to establish communication with the British Legation with a view probably to the evacuation of the British and Indian women and children, was damaged by shots from the rebels and forced to land near the city. The fate of the pilot and the observer is unknown. The situation is full of anxiety for the Indian Government in view of the effect of a fanatical Afghan civil war on the North-West frontier. GOVERNMENT ON CONTROL OF SITUATION EUROPEANS SAFE (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) London, December 19. The Afghan Legation in London says that the main trouble with the natives is concerning the new taxes, and has nothing to do with King Amanullah’s reforms. The latest news from Kabul said that the capital was quiet. A band of highway robbers attacked a post twelve miles from the city, and was repulsed. It is untrue that the King has taken refuge. He is now residing at the Palace. Official telegrams state that the Europeans are safe. The Government is fully in control of the situation. The Afghan Legation in London has been in uninterrupted touch with Kabul by wireless throughout. (British Official Wireless.) Rugby, December 19. In regard to the position in Kabul messages from the British Legation, dispatched on Monday, were received last night, and showed that all was well with the Legation on that day. The Afghan Legation in London states that it lias received an official telegram to the effect that the Foreign Legations are safe.

The British Legation is situated about two miles outside the city.