MARCH ON INDIAN FRONTIER

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 110, 12 May 1919, Page 6

MARCH ON INDIAN FRONTIER

FRUITS OF THE ROYAL MURDER BRITISH DEFENCE MEASURES. (UNITED PfIESS ASSOCIATION.—COPJRIGHT.) (ACS. AND N.Z. CABLE ABSH. AND REUTEIt.) LONDON, Bth' May. It IB officially.stated that the position in Afghanistan has changed with remarkable rapidity. Disaffection has spread'v among the troops, who; have de-_ manded vengeance for the late murdered Amir Habibullah. Despite tho ostentatious unanimity with which the recent Durbar executed Colonel Ali Raza and condemned : Nasrullah. •to imprisonment for life, it is now openly stated that innocent persons were punished and the real culprits escaped. The new Amir Amnhullah, fearing a rebellion, resolved upon the perilous measure of embarking on a war- against India. He spread false stories among the soldiery of troubles in the Punjab, and depicted the rich bazaars at the mercy of the Afghan invaders. '

The Viceroy of India (Lord Ohelmaford) sent the strongest express message to Amir Amanullah, conveying a. stern warning, but without success, and Afghan troops are now arriving at various points on the border. British troops are already moving to allotted places for concentration. The attitude of the tribesmen at the moment is admirable. The Ai'ridis remain staunch. The Mohmands told Sir George Roos-Keppel (Chief Commissioner of the North-West Frontier. Province) that, they were prepared to fight on our side. ' .

Much disunion is believed to exist at Kabul. 'Amir Amanullah ie~ reported to have visited Nasrullah and Inayatulla (eldest son of the late Amir Habibullah) in prison and offered them their liberty if they, would lead 'the army against India., Both refused. Nasrullah is now believed to have been poisoned in gaol. Aeroplanes will probably play ah important part in fighting the Afghan. The British forces are rapidly nearing each other.

[Immediately after the murder of the late Amir, his brother Nasfullali was proclaimed Amir at Jellalabad, with the consent of the local notables. The late Amir's eldest soil waived Mb Claim to the throne. Nasi'ullah's succession, however, was not recognised at the capital, where Amanullah, the late Amir's third son, assumed the throne; and Nasrullah subsequently made submission to him. The circumstances of the inuirder were euch that Nasrullah was accused of having slain his brother.. The result of an investigation was tlmt Ali Raza was executed and Nasriiliah was sentenced to imprisonment for life.]