AFGHAN TURMOIL.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 18 January 1929, Page 5

AFGHAN TURMOIL.

A STARTUNG REPORT.

CAPTURE OF KABUL AND ROYALTIES.

ALSO STATED AMANULLAH IS PREPARING TO ATTACK.

(By Telegraph-Press Assn -Copyright.) . (Received This Day, 8.50 a.m.) DELHI, January 17.

' A Peshawar report states that tho bandit leader Baccha Sakao captured Kabul with Amanullah and the new King Inyatullah, but it is reported locally that Amanullah reached Chaman (in the eastern territory) on Tuesday and hoisted his flag over the Palace. It is believed that the ex-King intends gathering a force at Kandahar for an attack on Kabul. WHERE I?AMANULLAH? ABDICATION BELIEVED TO BE A «■> TACTICAL MOVE. BACCHA SAKAO HAS DESIGNS ON MONARCHY. (By Telegraph-Press Assn.-Copyright.) Received this day, 9.35 a.m. DELHI, January 17.

' Mystery sunounds the situation in Afghanistan following Inayatullah'3 accession. <

Reports from Peshawar state that the Armistice arranged by the mullahs is not being observed, and that Baccha Sakao, with a largo rebel force, completely surrounded Kabul, seized wireless and aeroplanes, and cut off the capital from the outside world. Baccha Sakao openly declared his intention of becoming the Afghan King. ' The position of the new King is one of grave anxiety. The British Legation is again in the danger zone, but it is believed thft.t its sanctity will be respected.

Amauullah's whereabouts arc unknown. The story of his flight to Kandahar is discredited. It 13 believed that he is still at Kabul, with his brother, the present King, with whom he was formerly on the most friendly terms.

It is believed that Amauullah's abdication was merely a tactical move, and that he will attempt to regain the throne with the aid of the powerful Durani tribe inhabiting Kandahar and its suburbs, where the Queen, QueenMother and other members of the Royal family have fled. It is understood that rebel tribesmen capturod Jagdalak, midway betwoen Kabul and Jalalabad, with a largo Afghan force. It is reported that Bolshevist influence is largely responsible for fomenting the present trouble in Afghanistan.