AMIR GUILTY OF TREACHERY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXVI, Issue 17570, 14 May 1919, Page 5

AMIR GUILTY OF TREACHERY

BRITISH TROOPS MOVING.

VICEROY WARNS NATIVES OF

INDIA

Received May 13, 7.45 p.in

SIMLA, May 10

The Afghan position on Fridcy followed the crescent of a ridge dividing Landi Kotal from the plains of Afghanistan. Small detachments are at Ashkel and Pirukel, which are within the British limits. The enemy force is estimated to number 4000 Afghan infantry, with eight guns, also 3000 tribesmen. The main strength is concentrated at Bogs, commanding the water supply to Landi Kotal. Our advance troops, under General Crocker, pushed forward and ejected the enemy from Ashkel and advanced thence down the pass. The first objectives were carried enabling the troops to cover the concentration of forces operating in the Khyber area. Aeroplanes co-operated effectively with the troops' movements.

The Viceroy issued a proclamation in which he states that there is reason io apprehend that Afghanistan's breach of faith with India is possibly the long delayed fruits of efforts by friends of Germany who had failed to seduce the loyalty of the late Amir.

The Viceroy holds evidence showing that the present Amir is guilty of treachery by pretending that India is in a state of revolution, which would react in Afghanistan; that Germany is about to recommence war; and that the English will be destroyed. Leaflets containing false information were prepared for dissemination in India, and it was planned to buy or corrupt certain newspapers. The Viceroy warns the natives that a criminal and wanton incursion will meet with speedy punishment, and appeals to the people of„ India to assist the Government to crush the enemy of peace in India, and refrain from giving colour to false stories which are being assiduously disseminated.