AFGHAN REVOLT

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 79, 27 December 1928, Page 9

AFGHAN REVOLT

WOMEN REMOVED BY AEROPLANE FROM FRENCH & GERMAN LEGATIONS IN KABUL

GOVERNMENT REASSERTING AUTHORITY ■United Press Association.— By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Delhi, December 25. A large troop-carrier aeroplane and twenty Air Force ’planes flew from Peshawar and Risalpur to Kabul at the week-end, and rescued the British women and children from the British Legation. Yesterday a further twentyfive from the French and German Legations arrived at Peshawar by A.r Force 'plane, escorted by twenty others. _ , Radio communication between Peshawar and Kabul was restored yesterday. It is learned that King Amanullah is still at Kabul, but the Queen and his mother have gone to Kandahar with the court officials. The Afghan Government is now reasserting Its authority, and the rebels have re.ceived a distinct check. The British Legation is clear of rebels, and contact has been established with the capital. Jalalabad is still besieged and relief is at present impossible, but the Mohmands are co-operating with the Afghan troops. , ? . The situation in the south has improved, but the frontier tribesmen are watching Kabul events, and it is unknown how they will turn. It is admitted that there have been desertions'from, the army, but the majority are now rallying to the Throne. The British Legation for three days was a no-man’s-lPjid between the rebels and the State forces. The Military Attache’s house was destroyed by shellfire, but the rebels have now been pushed back. The revolution is believed to have been due to King Amanullah’s defiance of the Mullahs and his impetuous introduction of reforms in connection with education and women, to a poorly paid army and the expensive bulletin the new capital and to high officials receiving small salaries. CAPITAL REPORTED TO BE QUIET (Australian Press Association.) Calcutta, December 25. Passengers aboard the British aeroplane which arrived pt Peshawar today from Kabul reported all quiet in the Afghan capital. The passengers included eleven French women and ten German women, and four children belonging to their respective Legations at Kabul. Some were anxious about the safety of the foreigners who remained in the capital.