DIPLOMATIC CORPS TO BE EVACUATED FROM AFGHANISTAN

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6844, 25 February 1929, Page 7

DIPLOMATIC CORPS TO BE EVACUATED FROM AFGHANISTAN

Danger Very Real

RIVAL REBEL TRIBES IN CHARGE OF KABUL PLANES’ PERILOUS JOB. United Pres 3 Association —By Electri* Telegraph—Copyright. Received Monday, 2 a.m. LONDON, Feb. 23. It is learned authoritatively that the British Government is evacuating tho diplomatic mission from Afghanistan by air at the most convenient moment. At present, thero is no one with whom the mission can conduct diplomatic business; therefore there is no object in exposing it to danger. Coincident with the publication of the decision, telegrams havo been received from Peshawar stating that the first aeroplane for Kabul to begin the evacuation Yvas obliged to return, snorv preventing its landing. It is stated there are four other machines in readiness to fly to Kabul. The Observer’s diplomatic correspondent corps was arranged in consultation with other European powers. It was agreed that British aeroplanes should carry out tile operation, from which it follows that Sir F. H. Humph rys wil 1 bo the last to leave. Yesterday was fixed for the journey of the first machines. The arrangement was kept secret to avoid complications.

It was knoYvn that the Kabul aerodrome Yvas covered with snow and it was realised that it is unlikely R.A.F. machines would be able to make sufficient journeys from Peshawar to Kabul to evacuate all the staffs in one day, therefore the last journey must be more risky than the first. The risk, however, has to be faced.

Tho Sunday Express states it is believed that Sir F. Humphrys’ stafl is ia grave peril. It was suggested last night that tjieir plight may easily be as grave as that of Gordon in Khartoum in 1885.

Too late the peril has been roalised. Rival rebel tribes have already stormed Kabul and may do so again. Sir F. Humphrys may be murdered or tho victim of a stray bullet.