THE AFGHAN TROUBLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 17636, 28 May 1919, Page 5

THE AFGHAN TROUBLE

ENEMY IN RETREAT. BRITISH AIR RAIDS. Press Association—By Telegraph—Copyright. _ LONDON, May 15 (delayed). The British have occupied Khapgall, and captured two guns. The enemy are retreating towards Dakka. Tho latest news from India, dated May 14, states that British air raids have compelled the enemy to evacuate Dakka. Seven guns were captured. SITUATION IN INDIA. LONDON, May 15 (delayed.) The situation in India is quiet. An expeditionary force for Afghanistan is concentrated at Peshawar.—A. and N.Z. Cable. EFFECTIVE BRITISH AIRCRAFT OPERATIONS. SIMLA, May 25. (Received May 27, at 8 p.m.) Aeroplanes bombed munition factories in Kabul, registering seven hits. A big explosion followed. _ A second raid on Jelalabad proved effective. Several military buildings were seen ■in flames. Aeroplanes also attacked and scattered tribal lashkars (bodies of irregular troops) in Gandao Valley.—Renter. WHAT CAUSED THE TROUBLE. PESHAWAR, May 24. (Received May 27, at 10.45 p.m.) Evidence is accutaulating that power in Afghanistan is passing gradually into the hands of Sales Mahomed. Commander-in-Chief, belonging to Nurani, and who is of noble family. He was the trusted confidant of the late Amir, and although ho finally joined theAmanullah lie is acquitted of complicity or knowledge of tihe murder of Habibullah. This fact as important, because in spite of the Afghan predilection for violence and crime the Amir's murder, and the subsequent execution of an innocent ipan, were the cause of the indignation in Afghanistan, and even the border Path ana seem horror-struck. The adherence of Sales Mahomed alone kept Amanullah on the throne. It remains to be seen which of those planned the invasion of India. Both seem to have been misled regarding the internal situation of India. The Afghan postmaster at Peshawar, who is well educated but ill-balanced and emotional, received exaggerated reports of Indian sedition and tihe Punjab riots, and told the Amir that the time was opportune. \ It is important to note that the Afghan army leaders aJI say he had been ordered to make peace; but they themselves were unwilling to return to their own country whatever happens. Profound peac e is reported on the Dakka front. • Afghans in Kurram have not crossed into Poiwar KotaL There are signs of activity in the Mohmand country, where the Mullahs and Jan Badchad are endeavouring ' to foment trouble.—A. and N.Z. Cahle.