Graf

Graf over Egypt. Because the British Government was understood to object to the Graf Zeppelin flying over Egypt in its Mediterranean cruise of 1929, Dr. Hugo Eckener then tactfully let "unfavorable winds" blow the dirigible away from that course. Last week, however, the Graf flew to Cairo and the Holy Land not only with full British approval, but with Squadron Leader R. S. Booth of the British dirigible R-100 among its 25 passengers.* Arriving over Cairo a half-day ahead of schedule the Graf commander learned by radio that mooring preparations were not complete. He circled the city, dipped the airship's nose three times in salute to King Fuad and his Queen who watched from a terrace of the palace, and disappeared toward Asia Minor to kill time. On its return next morning a member of the Graf's crew dropped by parachute to Almaza Airdrome to give final instructions to the ground crew of 350 British soldiers. These were commanded by Flight Lieutenant Luck who had gone to Egypt last autumn to take charge of the mooring of the ill-fated R-101. After an hour's visit at Cairo the Graf flew on to Jerusalem, returned to Cairo, headed home to Friedrichshafen.

* But the French Government disappointed the Graf Zeppelin's passengers by stipulating that no photographs be taken over French soil. Cameras were collected by the crew, locked up until France's frontiers were passed.

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