BRITISH LEGATION IN PERIL.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18200, 26 February 1929, Page 9

BRITISH LEGATION IN PERIL.

Affairs In Afghanistan. EVACUATION BY AIR. (United Preaa Association—-fcy Elsolrls Tolsgraph Copyright. 1 LONDON, February 23. It is learned authoratively that the British Government is evacuating its diplomatic mission irom Aighanistau by air at the most convenient moment. At the present there is none with whom the . mission can conduct diplomatic business, therefore there is no object in exposing it to danger. Coincidient with the publication of the decision, telegrams wore received from Peshawar stating that the first aeroplane sent to Kabul to begin tho evacuation was obliged to return, snow preventing a landing. It is stated that there are other machines in readiness to fly to Kabul, The “Observer’s” diplomatic correspondent states that the evacuation of the European diplomatic corps was arranged in consultation Avith other European Powers. It was agreed that British aerojilanes should carry out the operation, from which it follows that Sir Francis the British Minister, will be the last to leave. Yesterday was fixed for the journey of the first machines. The arrangement was kept secret, to avoid complications.

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

The “Sunday Express” states: “It is believed that Sir Francis Humphreys and his staff are in grave peril. It was suggested last night that their plight may easily be as grave as that of Gordon in Khartoum in 1885. To late the peril has been realised. Rival rebel tribes have already stormed Kabul, and may do so again. Sir Francis Humphreys may be murdered or be the victim of a stray bullet.” MISSION OF PEACE. NADIR KHAN AT BOMBAY. (United rr«»* Association—By Eleetrle ToLgran'. r„ riV -'rV DELHI, February 23. General Nadir Khan has arrived at Bombay. In an interview, he said: “I have ccme on a mission of peaco, at the call of my fatherland. I hope A\ r ith the grace of God, to succeed in putting out the fire which is burning in Afghanistan.” After a brief rest, the General, who is not in the best of health, proceeds to Peshawar. GRAVE COMPLICATIONS FEARED. AMANULLAH’S MOVEMENTS. 'United Press Association—By Elactria Telegraph—Copyright.)

DELHI, February 24. Grave importance is attached to King Amanullah’s departure from Kandahar for Herat, which is the nearest big Afghan town on tlie Russian front, and is the Soviet’s internal political base in Afghanistan. “The Statesman’s” political correspondent at New Delhi regards Ammanullah’s move as the most serious yetperceived in the Afghan situation, and lie says it may lead to a crisis overshadowing the general election in England, and dwarfing most of our preoccupations in India. The Soviet Consulate at? Herat was recently the centre of propaganda for Amanullah. It is believed the ex-King has gone to invoke the support of the Soviet, which makes no secret of the fact that Amanullah stands for revolution, and has her sympathy. The situation is regarded as fraught Avith explosive possibilities. A PeshaAvar report says if General Nadir Khan gains the support of the country, Bacchasakao will hand over the Government, hut at present indications are that the latter will remain at Kabul till forcibly ejected. BRITISH LEGATION STAFF. DIFFICULTIES IN TRANSPORT.

(United Prsss Association—Ey Eleetrls Telegraph—Copyright.) PESHAWAR, February 24. Another unsuccessful attempt was made to bring the British Legation staff from Kabul. The troop carrier aeroplanes were unable to land OAving to the flooding of the aerodrome. Baron von Plessen, who will relievo the present German Minister, landed in a smaller machine.

RESCUE OF BRITISH RESIDENTS. REACH PESHAWAR BY ATR, (United Press Association—By Eleetrls Telegraph—Copyright.) (Receded February 25, 1.10 a.m.) PESHAAVAR, February 25. Sir Francis Humphreys and tho other residents at Kabul Legation arrived by air and Avere given a rousing reception by the British Colony.