THE AFGHAN KING

Hokitika Guardian, 27 March 1928, Page 1

THE AFGHAN KING

A DECREE CONFERRED. HUCBV, March 23. Tin* Kina and Queen of Afghanistan motored to-day to Oxford, ‘where th© honorary degree of Doctor of Civil Law was conferred upon King Amanullali. with traditional ceremony. The proceedings were'conducted,"as usual, entirely in Latin. King Amanullah and Quden Souriya were entertained to lunchhon by Lor. Birkenhead. High Steward .of the University, in the abseuce tliroifgh illness of Viscount Cave, ChanecTtor of the University. Lord Birkenhead made an interesting announcement. He said: “It is, I believo, the purpose of King Afnimullah to found a nnive rsity in Kabul to bo the centre of culture and learning in that part of the Asia and so to revive the glories of the wonderful past. More than 1000 years ago there flourished near the shores of Oxus. in Northern Afghanistan, _ the world-famed University of Bacteria. History relates that this illustrious city of learning was razed to . the ground by the all-dostroving •Tanghiz Khan, world conqueror, ruthless and unpitying. Wo in Oxford shall follow the execution of King Amahullah’s illuminating conception with warm sympathy and interest, It may even Ibo that the Queen of Afghanistan's brother, who is here among us to-day as an undergraduate, may live to become the first Vice-Chancellor of this University. It is not easy for us in 20th century England to realise what deep-seated difficulties King Amamillah lias been called on to face and has steadfastly confronted to promote the cause of learning in his far-away home.”