KABUL SURROUNDED

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 565, 18 January 1929, Page 9

KABUL SURROUNDED

WHERE IS AMANULLAH? (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 9.5 a.m. DELHI, Thursday. Mystery surrounds the situation in Afghanistan, following King Inayatullah’s accession. Reports from Peshawar state the armistice which was arranged by the Mullahs was not observed, and Baechasakao, the brigand chief, with a large rebel force, has completely surrounded Kabul, seized the wireless equipment aud the airdrome and cut off the capital from the outside world Bacchasakao has 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 its sanctity will be respected. Amanullah’s whereabouts are unknown. The story of his flight to Kandahar is discredited. It is believed he is still in Kabul with his brother the king, with whom he was formerly on the friendliest terms. It is believed that Amanullah’s ahdication was tmerely a tactical move, and that he will attempt to regain the throne with the aid of the powerful Durrani tribe inhabiting (Kandahar and its suburbs, where the Queen, the Queen Mother and other members of the Royal family fled. It is understood that rebel tribesmen captured Jagdalak, midway between Kabul and Jalalabad, with a large Afghan force. It is reported that Bolshevist influence is largely responsible for fomenting the present trouble in Afghanistan.

AMANULLAH’S PLANS

MAY ATTACK CAPITAL

(Australian and N.Z. Press Association) Reed. 5.55 a.m. DELHI, Thurs.

A Peshawar story says that Bachaisakkao, the rebel leader, has cap tured Kabul, with Amanullah and the new king, but it is reported from Delhi that Amanullah reached Chaman on Tuesday and hoisted his flag over the palace. It is believed that the former king intends gathering a force at Kandahar for an attack on Kabul.

Three brothers and a nephew of Sirdar Omar Khan, the Afghan prince who disappeared from Allahabad, were arrested at Calcutta. Four other of Omar’s brothers were arrested at Allahabad, and all are being removed to Rangoon.