RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

Timaru Herald, Volume XLII, Issue 3386, 4 August 1885, Page 3

RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.

(Pee Electric Tbleqraph— Copyright.) (Special to the Press Association.) (Received 10 a.m., August 3rd.) London, August 1. It is believed that Russia will keep the Zulfikar Pasß question open until tho next general flection, when they will endeavor to throw discredit on the Tories m regard to present negotiations. (By Telegraph.) (Per steamer at the Bluff.) (Special to tho Melbourne Age.) London, July 22. The situation between England and Russia is regarded as more peaceful m character. Tho Emperor of Russia has issued orders strictly forbidding tho troops on the Afghan frontier from taking any aggressive action. July 23. A Bussian Commission, with M. Lossar, President, has boon appointed to proceed to the Afghan frontier and enquire into the state of affairs thero. Tho Commission is expected to arrive at tho frontior at tho end of August. July 26. The Bussian Government are endeavoring to delay a decision being arrived at with England on tho Afghan frontier question. Bussia's motive for procrastination is stated to be tho close proximity of the Parliamentary general elections m England. Slio entertains hopes that the Conservatives will not como back with the majority. July 27. The Bussian authorities have signified their willingness to withdraw tho Bussian troorm from Zulfikar Pass, pending completion of the negotiations now proceoding with respect to tho occupation of that place. Bussin, however, oxprcssly stipulates that jn the event of their troops being withdrawn, Zulfikar must not bo occupied by tho Afghans.