EX-KING OF AFGHANISTAN

brook interference. From Ids villa in Giza, Amanullah
gave plentifully to the poor, inspected the students'
quarters, and expressed the hope that one day Afghan
students would join their fellow-Muslims in these
surroundings.

But in spite of the outward signs of amicability, the
Egyptian visit was not a success.

On the 5th of January he sailed to Naples, and it can
be said that of all the nations he visited, the people of
Italy were most to his liking. He revelled in their sun-
lit southern land. He saw much in common with his
own people, with their quick humour, their impulsive
temperament, and their olive skins.

He was treated well, there were no old grievances
over which to be diplomatic or sensitive, and they also
gave him a welcome to Europe which touched his
responsive heart and flattered his vanity as a ruler.

At the Ciampino Aerodrome, near Rome, he saw the
evolutions of hundreds of 'planes. At the Scala in
Milan he saw the art of the stage for the first time.
He went over the Lancia works in Milan, and he en-
trusted to the Fiat works orders for a hundred motor
lorries and small cars which were to be despatched to
his capital immediately.

He gave £1000 to the poor of Rome, a photograph
of himself and his Queen to the Pope, and sent with the
gift a pair of lapis lazuli candlesticks which cost him a
small fortune. All these things were noted in KabuL

When he left for Nice a fortnight later, he was wearing
the Order of Annunciata, conferred by the King, and
the Order of the Golden Spur. He was getting into his
stride.

While in Italy, too, Sir Francis Humphrys had visited
him to arrange for the last details of his stay in London.
It may be taken as certain that the incidents in Cairo

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