SOLDIERS REVOLT

Southland Times, Issue 20673, 20 December 1928, Page 5

SOLDIERS REVOLT

THE AFGHAN ARMY OMINOUS REPORTS FROM FRONTIER CONSIDERABLE ANXIETY (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) Delhi, December 18. Reports from the frontier state that a portion of the Afghan army has revolted and is assisting the rebels, and that the King and the Queen have taken refuge in a fort. The latter is unconfirmed. Wireless communications with Kabul have broken down, and the gravest anxiety exists for the safety of the foreign legations. No letters have been received from the British Legation for a month. it is rumoured that the whole of the Afghan Army has not been paid for a considerable time which, combined with the anti-reform propaganda, has contributed to many soldiers having deserted. Europeans in Kabul are reported to be experiencing grave discomforts as firewood and food supplies are always scarce and are expensive.—Australian Press Association. DANGEROUS POSSIBILITIES. SOVIET INFLUENCE SUSPECTED. REPORT OF REVOLT DENIED. London, December 18. The newspapers are giving prominence to the grave news from Afghanistan, especially the report that King Amanullah’s party was obliged to take refuge in a fort. The Dally Telegraph editorially observes that Britain has learnt from bitter experience that passions roused in Afghan feuds are not confined to Afghan affairs. There is always the possibility of an anti-European outburst. The diplomatic correspondent of the Morning Post says that apart from Soviet aviation instructors in King Amanullah’s army, it is known Moscow has watchers and agents in the rebel camps. Editorially the Post says: “What hand the Soviet is playing in the imbroglio is not yet plain, but the Indian Government no doubt marks an ominous similarity to events early in 1919 when, as now, agitators were active in India. The hand of the same conspirators can be traced in both cases, and India and her protectors must therefore closely watch these Afghan developments.” The Afghan Legation has announced that all the members of the legation at Kabul are safe; also that there is no arniy revolt. Yesterday’s minor incidents are attributable to a brigand chief. —Australian Press Association. BRITISH LEGATION SAFE. (Rec. 11.50 p.m.) London, December 19. The Daily Telegraph, the Morning Post and other papers are publishing cables from India saying that the trouble in Afghanistan is continuing. The British Legation is at present safe. The Government of India is prepared to give relief if necessary. —Australian Press Association.