'No 2. Persia, Herat, and Seistan — (continued)' [‎94r] (3/4)

3
though we trust that the decision of it will be
practically left to this Government when the
general delimitation of the provinces of Afghan
istan is considered.”
1 wo days after the date of the above secret letter
the Viceroy sent a telegraphic summary of it, of
which the following portion referred to Herat, &c.:—
Prom Viceroy, 9th January 1880 :—
“ Herat being beyond range of our military and
political control, we concur in decision to entrust
city and territory conditionally to Persia, but we
consider necessary and very important, careful
settlement of boundaries in concert with India,
excluding Purrah and Hash Jowain, and lay stress
on Persian contribution to railway. Since Persia
takes Herat, no objection to reconsider Seistan
arbitration decision, though India should deal with
question as belonging to general boundary settle
ment.
Then followed a further telegram from Vicerov
10th January 1880 :— ^
“ Secret. Teheran Minister requests me to tele-
* This draft Convention is not in this graph home observations on draft* Convention
Department. “ Observations begin
“ In preamble, reference to Gundamuk Treaty
appears to weaken not strengthen basis of British
action, since treaty, if existent, is intended rather
to prevent than admit foreign acquisition of Afghan
territory. I recommend omission of words after
the word ‘ conditions down to word c occupation.’
f< Article 5. I would omit the words ‘ or traveller.’
Article 7. I would omit special reference to
surplus, which facilitates evasion, and would stipu
late in more general terms contribution from Herat
revenues.”
After this date the following further telegraphic
correspondence passed between the Viceroy and the
Secretary of State :—
Prom Viceroy, 13th January 1879
. * Appointment by Ayub of Governor to Purrah
instead of Afzai, fled to Persia, also reported 5
Assuming definite exclusion of Purrah from Persian
arrangements, I consider early occupation of Pur
rah by Slier Ali very important, as pre-occupation
in force from Herat might have prejudicial effect
on Kandahar.”
Prom Secretary of State, 15th January 1880
Secret and personal. Persian convention.
Your amendments accepted, and Thomson autho
rized to proceed. You may act as you proposed
in respect of Furrah.”
Prom Viceroy, lltli February 1880 :—
Personal. Herat negotiations. If Persia,
under pressure from Russia, backs out of Conven
tion, I do not think Indian interests need suffer,
provided Persia is firmly held to attitude of abso-