THE MIDDLE EAST

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 160733, 20 August 1920, Page 9

THE MIDDLE EAST

LATEST REPORTS SUCCESSFUL ACTION BY BRITISH TROOPS. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association. Received Aug. 20, 8.15 a.m. DELHI, Aug. 18. Reports from Persia show that the British troops occupied Yuzbashichai on the Casvin-Menjel Road, after a highly successful action by a column of infantry and cavalry against the Russians and Jungali tribesmen. Prisoners were captured northeast of Kubin on the same road. Persian Cossacks captured thirty- 8 five prisoners. It is understood that the British and Indian troops are returning from Meshed to India. A quieter situation is reported in Mesopotamia. No fresh developments have occurred in the Hillah area. Onr forces are guarding the Euphrates. Communication is still interrupted north of Baqnabah. Several stations appear to have been burnt, and Government offices looted in this district. All is quiet north of Bagdad up to Mosul, but there has been some firing on our troops at Pellujah. TREACHEROUS MURDER OF BRITISH OFFICER. DELHI, Aug. 18. Colonel Leachman, of the Royal Sussex Regiment, political officer at Dulaim Divu, w r as treacherously murdered by Arabs at Kuftunyta, half way between Felluja and Bagdad. He spent the night with the chief, Zoba, whose son shot Leachman dead while motoring. The body was recovered and hurried with military honours.