KHYBER PASS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLV, Issue 13742, 6 May 1908, Page 7

KHYBER PASS.

THE AFGHAN ADVANCE. •'AN UNOFFICIAL WAR." FIGHTING SINCE FRIDAY. By Telegraph.—Press Association.—Copyright. London, May 4. The Times reports that an unofficial war with Afghanistan has been practically proceeding since. ..he first attack upon Landi Kotal. the northern end of the Khyber Pass, which commenced on Friday last. The enemy in.the field in this division is composed of Afghan militia levies, these being the first reserves of the regular army. All the stories about the Ameer, or his brother, Sirdar Nasrulla Khan . (Commander-in-Chief of the forces), issuing proclamations forbidding Afghans to undertake hostilities are, says the Times, absolutely false. The officials of the army arcknown to have actively assisted the Mullahs in an organised invasion of territory under British control. The prompt occupation of the Khyber Pass will probably lead to the retirement of the Afghans, but there is no guarantee that their tactics will not be repeated. ■ The Times further states that the presence of Major-General Willcocks, who is in charge of the operations at Landi Kotal, indicates that the Molimands are no longer the chief objects of anxiety. UNDISCIPLINED BANDS. DRIVEN BACK BY BRITISH. LOYALTY OF ZAKKA KHELS. (Eeceived May 6, 12.51 a.m.) Calcutta, May 5. It is stated in Government circles that the Afghan invaders consist of undisciplined bands, and that there is no reason to suppose that they are acting with the Ameer's concurrence. The Zakka Khels express themselves as now reassured since Britain does not intend to annex a portion of their territory, hence they will loyally abide by the agreement made with Britain. Major-General Wilcocks yesterday attacked the remnant of the Afghans on the hills westward of Landi Kotal. The enamy, which was in poor strength, offered only a slight resistance.

The leading Mullah fled on horseback early in the engagement, and the remainder were driven over the frontier. SECRET RATIONS. EXCITEMENT IN INDIA. OFFICERS RECALLED. ; Calcutta, May 4. The conduct of the military movement against the. Afghans has been severely censured, and already many officers have been recalled from duty. The actual orders for the operations are being kept secret, and this is causing much excitement. Main- persons suspect that the Ameer is fomenting the frontier disturbances, owing to his dissatisfaction at not being consulted in connection with the Anglo-Russian agreement. This was signed by the two Powers in August, 190?, and guaranteed the maintenance of the political status quo in Afghanistan and its internal system. It was recognised as being outside the Russian sphere of influence, while Russia agreed to transact all political relations with Afghanistan through the British Government. The Ameer, who last year made a tour of India, which apparently did much to promote friendly relations between him and'the Indian Government, receives a'subsidy of 18 .lakhs (£120,000) per annum from the latter, and by the treaty of 1893 agrees to accept the advice of the British Government in regard to his relations with foreign Powers, and is guaranteed against unprovoked aggression on his dominions. A standing avmv is maintained, comprising about 27,000 infantry, 7000 cavalry, and a strong force of artillery, apart from the irregulars, who number some 25.000 mounted men and a smaller force of infantry, capable of being increased on a war footing to 80,000 horse and 60,000 foot. The firearms are various, and include many modern rifles, and the same applies to the guns. At Oabul, the capital, there are factories where gun* are forged and rifles made, and all sorts of manufactures carried on. Khybev Pass, the great northern military road between the Punjab and Afghanistan, has been the key of the adjacent regious in either direction from the days of Alexander the Great, and it was stipulated in the treaty of Gandamak (1879) that the Anglo-Indian authorities were in future to have full control of it.