HEAVY FIGHTING

Southland Times, Issue 20663, 19 April 1929, Page 7

HEAVY FIGHTING

AVAR IN AFGHANISTAN

GHILZAIS OPPOSE REBEL FORCES

NUMEROUS CASUALTIES (United Press Assn.—By Telegraph—Copyright.) (Rec. 7.5 p.m.) Delhi, April 18. It is reported from Kabul that heavy fighting has taken place at Shackhabad, 40 miles from Kabul, between the forces of Baccha Sakao, the rebel king, and the Wardki tribe, who are supporters of Amanullah. Heavy casualties resulted, and the hospitals in Kabul are crowded with wounded Ghilzais, who, formerly supporters of Amanullah, are now concentrating at Ghanzi in support of Baccha Sakao provided he retires in favour of General Nadir Khan.—Australian Press Association.

In a message from Peshawar on March 2 the special correspondent of the London Daily Telegraph stated: — Peshawar, a “city of surprises,” is the station in British India which is watching developments in Afghanistan more closely probably than any other centre. At the moment it is accommodating two Afghans who may be aspirants to the Kabul throne.

General Nadir Khan arrived here on Monday. He did not disclose his intentions, but is remaining here temporarily. Two days after the general's arrival Ali Ahmad Jan made his way to British India. He is determined to fight for Amanullah provided he is given adequate support and money, and at Peshawar he appears to be a popular figure. But it is doubtful if he himself has any real support among the tribesmen.

The ever-changing situation in Afghanistan is rapidly becoming more intriguing. The Shinwaris, who were responsible for the abdication of Amanullah, are split into two camps. There are those who remain staunchly opposed to the ex-monarch. But the feeling is strong in certain sections that Amanullah was badly treated, and that his reforms, though admittedly premature, did not strike at the root-principles of the Islamic law. If Afghanistan is again to have a central government, then Amanullah will be more welcome as king than any of those who to-day aspire to regal honours. The .Afridis have not definitely taken sides. But a considerable opinion exists in favour of Amanullah. Kabul, however, has little sympathy for the ex-King. It is openly stated that never again can one who has fled from eventualities be entrusted with the Government. The tribesmen of the district —and these people will probably decide Afghanistan’s destiny—are for the most part apathetic. They realize that with no central government they are able to levy toll on caravans. They see an opportunity of reopening tribal feuds, and they know that unless there is a strong Government at Kabul they will be able to plunder and again lead the lives they led before Amanullah tried to modernize his backward country.

General Nadir Khan doubtless intends to sense the feeling of the tribes. He hopes to persuade the representative “maliks” that if Afghanistan is to progress, then it must choose a King who would be mutually acceptable and have the confidence of the country. If he succeeds in his enterprise it is assumed that Nadir will support such a nominee, but it seems a self-imposed task, almost impossible of achievement.

At the same time opinion amongst certain sections of the tribes is undoubtedly veering in favour of Amanullah, and to-day his chances of return are much stronger than they were a week ago. The support of the Kandaharis is of little use for the tribe does not come of a fighting stock. But with Afridi help and possible Shinwari support, Amanallah may vet be able to place an army in the field, retake Kabul, and re-establish himself as King.