IN AFGHANISTAN

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 16 January 1929, Page 5

IN AFGHANISTAN

AMANULLAH’S ABDICATION.

OF HIS OWN FREE WILL. THE! EX-KING’S FLIGHT. (Unitea Press Association —By Electric Telegrapb Copyright*-) (Australian Press Association.) LONDON, Jan. 15. The Afghan Legation in London has informed the “Daily Telegraph” tliatit has received a message from Kabul stating: “Relating to the internal feud King Amanullah, out of patriotic and friendly feelings, and of his own free will, has handed over the kingdom to his elder brother. Existing relations with foreign countries will continue.” It is understood that liiayatallah Khan is- sympathetic to Britain, consequently relations with India are likely to be amicable. The new ruler is a thoroughly orthodox Moslem and is greatly under the influence of the priests. It is improbable that lie will repeat his brother’s mistake ol: forcing unpopular reforms. King Amanullah’s fight to Kandahar renders it easier for him to quiet Afghanistan, but his position is still perilous, as many of hits recent adherents are’anxious to side with the rebels. The objective from Kandahar ivould be Queta, but Amanullah may select some other destination in order to- be more certain of escaping the vengeance of liis enemies, who will undoubtedly pursue him, oven to India.. It is ccitain that lie can never remain in safety anywhere in "the East, anti probahly, therefore, should lie effect, his escape, lie will eventually live in retirement m No Moslem warrier can understand the -psychology of a man who seeks safety rather than die fighting, and the flight will forever end the hope of regaining the lost position. NEW KING PROCLAIMED. Received 10.30 a.m. to--day, DELHI, Jan. 15. An Afghanistan message -states that Prince Inayatullah -has been, proclaimed King of Afghanistan.