AN ORIENT MYSTERY

Hokitika Guardian, 8 December 1928, Page 8

AN ORIENT MYSTERY

COLONEL LAWRENCE’S LATEST.

The everlasting mystery of the movements of Coloned T. E. Lawrence, the

“uncrowned King of Arabia,” was deepened recently by a .statement circulated in well-informed quarters in London that lie is engaged on a secret mission in Afghanistan attempting to facilitate the negotiation of a treaty between Croat Britain and that country. A few days earlier it was reported that he was m Amritsar, posing as a Mahommedan saint, and investigating Communist activities in the district. The opinion was expressed in authoritative circles that such an investigation could serve no useful purpose. and that the story might have been circulated to veil his real mission. It is in fact confidently asserted (says a London paper) that this Colonel Lawrence, the romantic figure who gathered llie wandering tribes of the Arabian desert and led them against the Turks, is in Afghanistan studying Afghan life for the British Clovernment. A trade treaty between Britain and Afghanistan is believed to be in the process of negotiation. A military agreement may follow'. Colonel Lawicnce, if is explained,is making an intimate study of the views of the hillmen, (he merchants and the peasants, lie is living with them, concealed beneath a madia stain and the turban and robes he knows so well.

As “ Leading Aircraftsman Shaw ” at the Royal Air Korea depot at Karachi Colonel Lawrence has led a lilts which has hallted his closest Iriends. Ife has vanished for a month at a time and relurned as unexpectedly as he departed. No one questioned him, and •‘Shaw” -- famously silent. said nothing.

A Rr.M.Cf’R CONTRADICTED

It, is some Lime now since Colonel Lawrence was seen at Miranshah I‘ort, a Royal Air Force detachment post. Then came the report that he was in Amritsar—living in disguise as a “ Rjr” or Maliommendan saint, watebM„jr for Bolshevist activity. He lived, so it was said, in a remote street in a luxuronsly-furnished house. AN omen brought their babies to him to be blessed and to secure advice on illness. That rumour has since been contradicted. Amristar is entirely free irom Bolshevist: agitators. It is a quiet, peaceful trading centre. “ I have only just returned from India, where I lived in Amritsar.” Mr C. M. J. Barrington. an army reserve officer, writes to (he. “Sunday Express.” “Colonel Lawrence is not there—spying in Amritsar is valueless. There is nothing to spy on.” Amritsar is the key city to' the Punjab, and Colonel Lawrence was last heard of on the outskirts of the northern borders of that province. It. was not realised that perhaps he had rone northwards through the mountains to the country of King Amaiiulln. Strange developments are taking place in Kabul, the Afghan capital, since the return of the King and Queen Irom their travels abroad. A hitherto scattered nation of 10.000,000 people is united. “AYesternising” moves apace, •uid the 'country lias become an active unit in the trade of;the Orient. Asiatic Russia, under Communist rule, stretches to the north. The mountain frontier of India lies to the south. Afghanistan is the “ harrier its capital is the rendezvous for those who pass through. Colonel Lawrence is believed to be there, bidden, and watching. NEW MAR RIAL If LA AYS. Polygamy has been abolished. Colonel Lawrence will know if Occidental mar riage laws will lead to revolution or placid acceptance. He will hear tlm muttorings of the wild and enic-he< ribosinen who live unshackled in the hills. In Afghanistan all roads and all gossip lead to Kabul. The old narrow streets and foul-smelling bazaars are being destroyed. The indolent customs of the Oriental are being shattered by King Amanulla, inspired by his experiences in the AVest. If agitation spring* .p among the citizens of Kabul, mysfi‘,ed and irritated by enforced changes they do not understand, the Communists are there to nurse it. That would be part of the mission of Colonel Law pence—to watch the effect of the growing pains of Afghanistan. Is “ Leading Aircraftsman Shaw.” Colonel Lawrence was happy, and dis (iked being disturbed at lus work “Shaw,” said a companion recently. “is no longer Lawrence of Arabia. He is just one of us, living our life, and receiving no special advantages because of his previous record.” AYhen his mission is ended Colonel Lawrence wil' probably reappear suddenly at a Royal Air Force depot in his regulation kit and resume his service duties.