The Portland daily press., 1878-11-21
THE AFGHAN DIFFICULTY.
War Virtually Declared.
The British Troops Ordered to
Advance.

LONDON, Nov. 20.-The government has pub
lished long despatch from Lord Cranbrook,
Secretary Of State for India. TO Lord Lytton,
Viceroy of India, recaptulatng the negota-
tiohs with Atghanistan. The despatch traces
the first estraDgemeut between England and
the Ameer of Atghanistan to the refusal OF the
Gladstone government in 1873 to give definit
answer as to how far they would help him II
he was threatened by Russia. The despatch
points out that on the accession OF the present
government the relations of England with
Afghanistan had to be considered with refei-
ence to the rapid march of events in Turkistan.
Consequently when Lord Lytton was sent to
India be was instructed to offer the Amer the
projection he previously solicited, namely. sub
stantial pecuniary aid, the recognition OF his
dynasty and a pledge of material support
against unprovoked foreign aggression condl-
tionally upon the Ameer's allowing the British
agents to have access to the positions in his
territory Except Cabul). where they copld ac-
quire trustworthy intelligence of the events
likely to threaten the tranquility and indepen-
dence of Afghanistan. Such access was nec
essary as substantial proof of ths unity of the
Ameer' interests with those of Great Britain.
The despatch then narrates the abOrtive eud-
ing of the missions of Col Sir Lewis Pelly and
Gep. Sir Neville Chamberlain, which were un-
dertaken in pursuance of their instructions,
and shows that the latter was suggested by
Lord Lytton, who thought that after the osten-
tatous reception of the Russian mission the
DOllCy Ol luhCblOu WAS uU lUuS6E boudulo duu
that the refusal of the Ameer to receive Brit
ish mission was improbable and would be il
excusable
The despatch concludes by stating the terms
of the ultImatum, namely: A full and suitable
apology within given time; the reception of a
permanent British mission aud amnesty to the
tribes who escorted the British ENJOYS.
The Ameer has been informed that unless y
clear and satisfactory reply is received by N ov.
10th, the viceroy will be compelled to consider
his Intentions hostile and treat him as de-
clared enemy.
1t is announced that no reply to the British
ultimatum has been received from the Ameer
of Afghanistan, and orders have accordingly
been sent to India for the troops to advance.
The Cabinet council which was held yester
day adjourned after protracted session until
Thursday. but the decision arrived at dispels
all doubt
The Standard says: "We are consequently
engaged IN a war with Atghanistan which has
been freed opon us by Russian intrigue and the
evil Effects Of our past policy"
LAHoE, Nov. 20 The government Is prepaI-
ing proclamation showing that vigorous
means are unavoidable.
SKULL, Nov. 20-Tt is reported that the gar.
ris0n of the first fortress in Khurhun Valley is
prepared to capitulate when summoned The
column is in splendid spirits and is eager for
the advance.
LONDON. Nov. 21-The Porte's leading edi-
C0r1al says:
When it became evident some days ago that
| the Ameer Intended to persevere in his dsdain.
| full reticence the frontier commanders received
| orders to be in readiness to commence opera
| tions this morning (Thursdsy.) The simple
| duty of Wednesdays cabinet council was tC
learn whether any change in the Ameer's atti
tude will necessitate alteration in these instruc
lions. AS the Ameer has sent no reply it only
remained for the troops to execute the ooigina
orders. The advance has probably begun.
The Times leader says:
| The uitimatum has been iefused. The result
| we believe is that the issue has now been left
| in Lord Lyton's hands. We may expect t
| hear in few hours what action he intends tt
take. He will probably occupy the Khibe
| Khuman passes and make some advance will
| the Qaettah column.