Amir's Progress

The Presidential Train of Old Paul von Hindenburg rolled into Berlin, last week, with its heating apparatus most unfortunately not functioning. The honored passengers were Their Majesties the Amir & Queen of Afghanistan who, with almost their entire suite, appeared to be suffering from colds. They arrived from Caux, Swiss-Alpine resort, where they have been recuperating from previous official entertainment at Rome, Paris & Brussels (TIME, Jan. 23, Feb. 6). Last week as Amir Amanullah, ''The Light of the World," emerged again into the limelight he was gravely greeted by the solemn figure of President Hindenburg in tight broadcloth coat and high silk hat. Less formal was an immediately subsequent greeting administered by Socialist Prime Minister of Prussia Otto Braun, who violently shook the Amir's hand. Meanwhile Old Paul von Hindenburg presented a bunch of orchids with ponderous gallantry to Queen Thuraya.

Because Their Majesties are the first reigning sovereigns to visit Berlin officially since the War, their reception last week included the lavish decking of Unter den Linden with much tall, upstanding greenery and many an Afghan & German flag. The famed Prince Albrecht Palace had been entirely renovated for their reception.

As the Royal & Presidential party swept up from the station and through the Brandenburg Gate, a crowd of some 30,000 saw with amazement that the last motor in the procession was bright red and driven by Friedrick Wilhelm, onetime German Crown Prince & Crown Prince of Prussia. Uninvited, he had merrily slipped up behind. Prudent, he soon turned down a side street amid scattered cheers and more booes.

Throughout the week Amir Amanullah pursued a strenuous routine. At his request all banquet speeches were cut to bare minimums of compliment. Thus time was gained in which His Majesty visited numerous industrial plants and later the great Tempelhofer flying field. There he was presented with a 10-passenger 3-motored plane worth some $60,000. Doubtless the makers hope for future cash orders from Afghanistan, but last week "The Light of the World" did not so much as take a trial sweep in his expensive toy. What seemed to interest His Majesty most was a military review, during which Reichswehr troops first goose-stepped in mass formation and then staged a sham battle enlivened by dummy tanks, wooden howitzers and other substitutes for weapons which the Treaty of Versailles forbids to Germany.

Interest keened at a statement from Amir Amanullah's resplendent Minister of State. This functionary affirmed that His Majesty still regards with "uncompromising hostility" the British Empire, from which he wrested Afghan independence in 1921. Nonetheless the Amir will shortly visit London, "because of a desire to see our worst enemies at home."