LEGATIONS IN PERIL

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 597, 25 February 1929, Page 9

LEGATIONS IN PERIL

EVACUATION FRUSTRATED AIRDROME FLOODED (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. 10.45 a.m. PESHAWAR, Sun. Another unsuccessful attempt was made to bring the British Legation staff from Kabul. Troop-carrier airplanes were unable to land owing to the flooding of the airdrome. Baron von Plessen, who relieves the present German Minister, was landed in a smaller machine. The first airplanes sent to Kabul to begin the evacuation were obliged to return to Peshawar, as snow prevented them from landing. It is learned authoritatively that the British Government intends to have its diplomatic mission to Afghanistan evacuated at the most convenient mo-

ment. There is nobody at present with whom the mission can conduct diplomatic business, therefore there is no object in -exposing its members to danger.

The diplomatic correspondent of “The Observer” says the evacuation of tho European diplomatic corps has been arranged. At a consultation between representatives of the European Powers it was agreed that British airmen should carry out the operation. From that it followed that Sir Francis Humphrys, British Minister, would be the last to leave Kabul. Saturday was fixed for the journey of the first machines. The arrangement was kept secret to avoid complications. The “Sunday Express” says* it is believed that Sir Francis Humphrys and his staff are in grave peril. It was suggested last night, it says, that their plight may easily be as grave as that of Gordon at Khartoum in 1885. Too late the peril of the Minister and his staff has been realised, says the paper. Rival rebel tribesmen already have stormed Kabul and may do so again. Sir Francis may be murdered or become the victim of a stray bullet.