Norwich bulletin., 1917-02-13
STORIES OF THE WAR
Neutrality of Afghanistan.

A demonstration of the present am icab1e relations between the British government and Alghanistan was af- forded a correspondent of The Asso- ciated Press in Khyber Pass, North west Frontier, India. Claims and coun- ter claims regarding the attitude of the Amir of Afghanistan towards the |combantants in the world war have been made continually since the out break of hostilities, but this much may be affirmed with certainty:
 Great caravans, composed of thous ands of camels and .donkeys, heavily laden with fruis and goods. are pour ing into India from Afghanistan through this gateway between the two able pi1grimages could not be under taken were conditions other than quiet. Moreover, and perhaps still more significant, hundreds of Ghilzai, the nomads of Afghanistan, are mak- ing their annual journey into the Pen insula with the caravans for trade and for the purpose of securing places as laborers in various sections. These coolies will remain in India until Spring, unofficial hostages for the con- tinued good relations between the Amir and his powerful neighbor.
 The formalities demanded by the neutrality of Afghanistan are being Eigidly adhered to by the British
 
 which is at the top of the pass and only four miles inside the information al line, one can see far out toward Ka- bull, but no one not connected with the more than look, for to venture over the border would give rise to the gravest consequences. The Amir is very jealous of his rights and is a1- ways suspicious of foreigners within his domain.
 No spot in India is more interest ing at present than this famous pass. Though it is at present forbidden ent was permitted by Sir George Ross Keppel, chief commissioner for the North West Frontier Province, to make the trip from 2eshawar to Lam di Kotal Fort in a motor with an arm ed escort.
 Landi Kotal is some thirty miles from the city of Pehawar, and for the last twenty miles one passes through the so-called independent territory, that is, the country inhabited by the nominally independent tribes of war like folk who live in the mountains of this region. These are the people who have probably given more trouble than any others since the British occupa- sion of India, for they are continually at war among themselves and fre- quently turn their attention to the British forces stationed along the bor- der.
 The road to Landi Kotal enters in- dependent territory at Jamrud Fort, a well garrisoned British stronghold at the foot of the Khyber Pass. From here one would be in constant peril of death from snfpers were 1t not for the fact that through an agreement with the tribesmen the road and the land for fifty years on either side of it are neutral ground" within which no shooting is supposed to take place. To a large extent the neutral section is considered sacred by the mountain eers, but there are many bands of bandits who decline to regard 1t as such and attempted raids on caravans are not infrequent. In order to main tain the neutrality of this strip and to handle marauders, the British have built block houses and small forts along the way, and at numerous oth- CT points sentries are stationed in commanding positions among the rocks.
 The road, one of the finest in India, is maintained by the tribesmen along the route who are paid well for keep ing it in condition. The steady and much needed income which the noun