مجموعة ٥/٧٣ "سلاح الجو الأفغاني: تقارير" [ظ‎‎٧‎٤] (٤٣١/١٤٨)

Opinion of the Italian Romeos amongst the
Afghans continues low. Wing Commander
King*s report on the Tiger Moth, which he
tested with a view to ascertaining its
merits as a trainer under Kabul conditions,
is attached and is very favourable. It
has made a good impression both on the
Afghan pilots and their Government, who
state that they will require some six or
eight of this type if they can be made
available. The good impression made on the
Afghan pilots by the Tiger Moth (which some
of them tested) is held partly responsible
for the changeover in favour from U.S. to
British aircraft. This may also be ascribed
to the correct attitude of the U.S. legation
since the departure of Major Enders, the
late Military Attache.
The suggestion, tentative though it is,
for the training of some Afghan airmen in
India is a good sign of the maintenance of
our influence over the Afghan Air Force.
We have now heard that trie Afghan Grovernnent
are not interested in the Swordfish aircraft, since
their ceiling is not sufficiently high. As for the
Tiger Moth, the Afghans were slightly disconcerted
when they heard that its propeller came adrift on
the home;vard flight to India. It has been explained
to them that the mishap was caused by the faulty
adjustment of a retaining screw and was due to no
structural defect, and it is to be hoped that this
explanation will allay their fears. (The aeroplane
made a perfect landing without the propeller).
The report states that it is now unlikely that
the Afghans will reach a decision on the type of
aircraft they desire until the Air Force officer, attached
to the Afghan Military Mission, v/hich is due to go to
India in December, reports to them. In the meantime,
it is ft ft** encouraging to note their desire to retain
British instructors in their Air Force.
i/u