AFGHAN SITUATION.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 47, 25 February 1929, Page 7

AFGHAN SITUATION.

Evacuation Of British May Come Too Laf?. DIPLOMATS' RISK. (Aastralian Pr~ss Assn.—United Service.) LONDON, February 24. It Is learned authoritatively that the British Government intends to have its diplomatic mission to Afghanistan evacuated from Kabul by air at the most convenient moment. There is no body at present with whom the mission can conduct diplomatie business, therefore there is no object ia exposing its members to danger. Coincident with the publication of the Government's decision telegrams were received from Peshawar stating that the airmen on the rir*t aeropiane sent to Kabul to begin the evacuation were oblised to return as snow prevented them landing. Four other machines are in readiness to be flown to Kabul.

The diplomatic correspondent of the "Observer" says the evacuation of the. Inropean diplomatic corps has been arranged. At a consultation between representatives of the European Powers it was agreed that British airmen should carry oat the operation. From that ** followed that Sir Francis Humphry _~ British Minister, would be the last to lssva Kabul. Yesterday was fixed for the journey •I the first machines. The arrangement wis kept secret to avoid complications. It is known that the Kabul aerodrome is covered with snow, and it is realised tost it is not likely that the machines will be able to make sufficient journeys from Peshawar to Kabul to evacuate ill tie diplomatic staffs in one day. Therefore the last journey must be ■ore risky than the first. That risk, ■owever. has to be faced. The "Sunday Express'' says it is befitred Sir Francis Humphrys and his rtaff are in grave peril. It was suggested last night, it says," that their plight may •asfly be as grave a3 that of Gordon at Khartoum in ISSS. Too late the peril of the Minister and kis staff has been realised, says the paper. Rival rebel tribesmen "already have stormed Kabul and may do so •jam. Sir Francis may be murdered or become the victim of "a stray bullet.