مجموعة ٥/٧٣ "سلاح الجو الأفغاني: تقارير" [و‎‎١‎٤‎١] (٤٣١/٢٨١)

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7. (contd).
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(b) The Ministry of Defence nave decided not to make a request for
a relief for Flight-Sergeant K. Gillett, R.A.F. , and he is to return
to India on rovember 22nd, F/Sgt Gillett was attached to the Afghan
Force as an engine mechanic and fitter in November ? 1940 for a
p^.iod of one year. At the request of the Afghan authorities his
services were retained for a further year, and they have frequently
paid tributes to the good work he has carried out during the period
? of nis attachment. F/sgt. Gillett does not wish to continue serving
in the Afghan Air Force and the Afghans for financial reasons are
desirous of curtailing the number of th^ir foreign employees in the
|Air Force to the bare minimum necessary to maintain the efficiency
1 of their aircraft.
(c) Mr, H. Bradley, Messrs Hawkers instructor, who has been attached
to the Afghcin Air Force sii'ice December, 1937, has at the request of
the Afghan authorities agreed to extend his contract for a further
year, ending in February, 1944. Mr. 3radley r s sei vices have been
particularly appreciated by the Afghans, and he has gradually gained
their confidence, particularly in matters where his technical advice
is of value to them.
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(d) Mr. D.V/.R. Robinson, Messrs Rolls Royce instructor wishes to
terminate his contract with the Afghan Government in February, 1943,
and his firm have agreed to provide a replacement for him. Mr. Robinson
has also served with the Afghan Air Force since December, 1937, and
although the Commandant of the Air Force tried to induce him to serve
on for a further year, he refused to consider this proposal and will
leave Kabul as soon as his relief arrives. The Ministry of Defence
have agreed to accept a replacement for Mr. Robinson provided he is
supplied by Messrs Rolls Royce on similar terms.
| (e) ^Thc new pilot instructor, Squadron-Leader higginton, is of the
opinion that a British staff consisting of one pilot instructor, one
I fitter and rigger, and one engine mechanic is sufficient to meet
5 the present requirements of the Afghan Air Force in maintaining their
Hind aircraft, and instructing new pilots etc.
He considers that it would be an advantage, to have a British N.C.O.
storekeeper attached no the Air Force for the purpose of maintaining
and issuing stores, but doubts whether the Afghan authorities would
ever agree to placing the whole of tluir Air Force stores under
British supervision.
The photographic and Y//T Sections also require a British N.C.O.
Instructor for each section as the Afghan officers in cnarge appear
to be incapable of putting them on to a proper working basis or 0 f using
and maintaining the valuable equipment on their charge. It is
however considered unlikely that the Afghan Government will be prepared
| to expend money on the development of these two sections at the present
i time.