BRITISH LEGATION EVACUATED.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXV, Issue 18201, 28 February 1929, Page 9

BRITISH LEGATION EVACUATED.

Statement By British Resident. AIR FORCE MEN PRAISED. (British Official Wiralaaa.) RUGBY, February 26. Earl Winterton, Under-Secretary for India, stated in the House of Commons. that* the evacuation of the last remaining members of the staff of the British Legation at Kabul was successfully achieved yesterday. Sir Francis Humphrys, in paying a warm tribute to the remarkable smoothness and efficiency with which the Air Force had carried out the arduous undertaking, had teiegraplied: “The Royal Air Force performed a historic achievement; conveyed 586 persons in 82 aeroplanes without a single mishap to the passengers, since December 23, over mountainous country, in the depth of winter, at an average height of 10,000 feet. The conditions had always been difficult, and during the last two days almost insuperable on account of the heavy fall of snow.” Earl Winterton paused to observe: “1 am sure the House will cordially endorse this tribute.” He continued to read the telegram, which ran: “In the early stages of aircraft operations, which first established touch with the Legation, they were repeatedly under fire, and one machine was shot down over Kabul. The pilot, fortunately, was unhurt, and has since rendered invaluable assistance to Sir Francis Humphrys. The Royal Air Force personnel have flown over the wild border country unharmed. One machine made a forced landing. through the engine freezing whilst in flight. Its two occupants for some days were in the hands of the tribesmen, although subsequently success* fully evacuated by aircraft.” OUTLOOK IN AFGHANISTAN. GENERAL KHAN ARRIVES. (United Press Association—By Electric Talagrapb—Cony right.) DELHI, February 26. Upon arriving at Lahore, General Nadir Khan received a great reception by the crowd, which reached fever heat when Amanullah was on the throne of his ancestors. KING’S CONGRATULATIONS. THOUGHTFULNESS APPRECIATED (British Official Wirelaaa.) RUGBY, February 26. The King sent a telegram to Sir Samuel Hoare: ‘I heartily congratulate the Royal Air Force on the great feat of rescuing so many men, women and children from Kabul, in I spite of many difficulties in the air and on the ground.” Sir Samuel Hoare replied: “I desire to convey our deep appreciation of your gracious congratulations. All ranks of the Force have been anxiously watching your Majesty’s progress from day to day, with earnest wishes for a speedy recovery. They will particularly welcome at the present juncture the consideration which prompted you to send them so encouraging a message on the completion of a duty which they have been proud to perform in the interests of humanity.”

The King also sent a telegram to Sir Francis Humphrys congratulating him on his safe arrival at Peshawar.