Rebels Capture Kabul

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 567, 21 January 1929, Page 11

Rebels Capture Kabul

BANDIT CHIEF IN CHARGE King Inayatullah Flees (United P.A. — By Telegraph, — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Associan (United Service) DELHI. Friday. THE new Afghan monarch. King Inayatullah, and tinmembers of his family arrived at Peshawar from Kabul by an Afghan airplane in the afternoon. The report of his abdication is not confirmed. Amanullah is safe at Kandahar, which city is quiet.

It is likely, that Amanullah will accept the kingship of the Durani tribe, and the natural consequence will be that Afghanistan will be disrupted into three provinces.

The rebels under the bandit Bacchasakao completely occupied Kabul, where they looted and set fire to scores of Government buildings and houses. At present all is well at the Foreigu Legations in the capital. The Britons have sufficient provisions for three months. There is no fear of attack by the rebels, but it is likely that all the legations will be removed by Air Force airplanes in the absence of recognised authority. Earlier reports from Moscow stated that wireless messages received there from Kabul said that when Amanullah abdicated the rebel troops surrounded the Royal residence. Thereupon the new King, Inayatullah, also abdicated on condition that he and his family were guaranteed safety. The rebel leader Bacchasakao then entered the Royal Palace. His sup-

porters now announce that he has assumed supreme power under the title of Khabibullah Ghazi. A British official wireless message says news from Kabul indicates that Habibulla Khan, also known as Bacchasakao. leader of the Afghan revolt, is now in complete control of the city, the citadel having been peacefully surrendered.

Intermediaries representing both sides waited on the British Minister, Sir Francis Humphrys, yesterday, and requested him to facilitate evacuation by air of King Inayatullah, in whose favour his brother Amanullah abdicated on Monday last.

It was represented that the departure of Inayatullah would have the effect of preventing further bloodshed. Arrangements were therefore made for a British Royal Air Force airplane early this morning -to convey Inayatullah and the members of his suite, including seven women, the ex-Min-ister of War, and two brothers of Queen Souriya from Kabul to Peshawar.