AFGHANISTAN

Hokitika Guardian, 25 February 1929, Page 5

AFGHANISTAN

AFGHAN AFFAIRS. (United Press Association—By F.lectric Te'egrnph—Copyright). A DELHI, Fob. 22. General Nadir Khan Ims arrived from Franco and joined King Amanullah at Kundtthar. He has disowned the intention to acquire the throne for himself. It is reported that Amanullali is losing support and is preparing for flight from Kandahar. Bacilni is winning the allegiance of Shimvaris and his power is increasing A NEW AND SERIOUS DEVELOPMENT. flteceived this dav at 9.2"). n.tn.) DELHI, Feb. 24. Grave importance is attached to King Amanullah’s departure from Kandahar for Herat, which is the nearest big Afghan town on the Russian frontier, anu is the .Soviet’s internal political base in Afghanistan. / The “Statesman’s” political corresA pondent at Delhi, regards Amanullah’s ft- move as. the most serious yet perceived * in the Afghan situation, and says it ■ may lead to a crisis overshadowing the general election in . England, and dwarfing most of our preoccupations in India. The Soviet Consulate at Herat was recently the centre of propaganda for Amanullali. It is believed the ex-King has gone to invoke the support of the Soviet, which makes no secret of the fact that Amanullali stands for. the revolution, and has her sympathy. The situation is regarded as fraught with explosive possibilities. A Peshawar report says that if Nadir L Khan gains the support of the country, Bachnsakao will hand over the \ Government, but at present the 7n--7 ' dications are that the latter will reat Kabul. 1 AN UNSUCCESSFUL ATTEMPT. ' PESHAWAR, February 24. Another unsuccessful attempt was made to bring the British Legation staff from Kabul. Troop-carrier aeroplanes were unable to laud owing to the flooding the aerodrome. * Baron Von Plessen, who relieves the * present German Minister, landed in a smaller machine. W BRITISH IN AFGHANISTAN. SERIOUS PLIGHT. ißeroived this day at 8.30. n.m.) LONDON, February 23. It is learned authoritatively that the British Government is evacuating the diplomatic Mission from Afghanistan by air at the most convenient moment. ‘ At present there is not any one with whom the Mission can conduct diplomatic business, therefore there is no ob.iect'in exposing it to danger. Coincident with tne publication of the decision, telegrams were received from Peshawar, stating the first aeroplane for Kabul to begin tlic evacuation obliged to return, snow preventing a landing.

It is stated there sire other machines in readiness to fly to Kabul. The “ Observer’s ” diplomatic torrespondent states the evacuation of the European diplomatic corps was arranged in consultation with the other European powers. It was agreed that British aeroplanes should carry out the operation, from which it follows that Sir 11. Humphreys wTTI be the hist to leave.

Yesterday was fixed for the journey of the first machines. The arrangement was kept a secret to si void complications. It was known that the Kabul aerodrome was covered with snow, and it was realised" that it was unlikely the Koval Air Force machines would he able to make sufficient journeys from Peshawar to Kabul to evacuate all in one day, therefore the last journey must be more risky than the first. The risk, however, has to he faced. . .

The “Sunday Express” states it, is believed that the British staff is in grave peril. Tt was suggested last night that their plight may easily be as grave as that of General Gordon in Khartoum in 1885. The “ too late ’ peril has been realised. The rival rebel trilies have already stormed Kabul and may do so again. Sir H. Humphreys may be murdered or be tbe victim of a stray bullet.