مجموعة ٥/٦٥ "استحداث منصب ملحق جوي في كابول وإعارة موظفين بالطيران إلى الحكومة الأفغانية" [و‎‎١‎٢] (٢٦٠/٢٣)

SECRET
OFFICE OF TFtE HIGH COMMISSIONER
FOR THE UNITED KINGDOM
CHAMBER OR COMMERCE BUILDlMC
WOOD STREET
Ref No. 579 ras&rs n
2nd April, 19V9.
Sir,
OamnipioaUonE Aircraft for Air Adviser to
to Pakistan ~
I have the honour to request that a Conmunication Aircraft may be provided
for the above appointment.
2. In a draft directive received through G.ILO. setting out responsibilities
oi the Air Mviser to the U.K. Hig^i Commissioner in Pakistan in respect of
R.A.F. personnel in Afghanistan, it is stated that visits are to be to
i^)ul at approximately 3 monthly intervals. In previous correspondence on
tiiis proposed additional duty, the High Commissioner has stressed the fact
that an aircraft should be provided for the Air Adviser in order to minimise
periods of absence from Karachi. On 28th December, 1948, in a Savingram to
C.R«C. the High Commissioner used the words "and I foresee much difficulty in
finding suitable dates for him (Air Adviser) to make these visits unless aai
until air travel becomes possible".
3* In respect of the recommendations of the High Ccranissioner I would like
the following points to be considered, concerning this appointment as a whole,
nn support of the provision of a oom.mnications aircraft together with one
member of the aircrew to act as assistant to this appointment.
(*) Travelling facilities - Pakistan - Air
(i) Air Lines*
In my opinion neither of the two airlines in Pakistan
offers an adequate safety factor at present. Pak Air Ltd
whic h ha s arisen from ignorant planning had a fatal accident
in November, \%8 P the suspected cause of which is inadequate
maintenance. Diia Company, which suspended its services for
2 months after the accident, is operated by an American
Charter Company for Pak Air Ltd and its personnel do not
inspire confidence. Orient Airways is scraping the bottom
of the pot for spares, and I hear from confidential sources
that the condition of its aircraft are well below our
standards. Hiis Company is at present suffering interruptions
to its schedules throu^i unservioeability and i Jfaot cannot
state viiat routes it will be operating a few days ahead.
(ii) Aircraft qf U.S.A. Air Attache.
By courtesy of the U.S.A. Air Attache I can travel with
him on tour in his aircraft when space permits. Vfy visit
to Kabul in November, 1948 was made possible by receiving a
lift from him to Peshawar, and return to Karachi, when he
carried out a visit to Kabul.
/ (iii) R.P.A.F
Bie Under Secretary of State (D.D.0.2),
Air Ministry,
King sway,
London, V.C.2.