'Central Asia, Persia, and Afghanistan. Bolshevik and Pan-Islamic Movements and connected Information.' [‎329r] (7/16)

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front. He says nothing regarding projected Bolshevik attack on him, but such
an attack is considered inevitable by Russian agent who brought this and other
letters.
15567. M., 16tb November. Russian agent from Bokhara states that Bolsheviks
resolved on removing their garrisons from Bokharan territory. Agent considers
this prelude to Bolshevik attack on Bokhara.
From several sources reports received that Bolsheviks have asked whether
Afghans would co-operate in attack on Bokhara. Afghans said to have replied
that they would in such event remain neutral, but believed that if Bolsheviks
were not in strength Afghans might utilise the opportunity of raising all
Mahometans against Bolsheviks.
15708. M., 20th November. Report 31st October from Bokhara :—
“ 1. Bolsheviks recently demanded of Amir— (a) 400 wagons of wheat;
(b) acceptance of Bolshevik paper money; (c) resumption of traffic on
Kagan-Bokhara branch line ; (d) abolition of necessity for permits to enter
Bokhara city. Amir supplied 60 wagons of wheat and refused other
demands.
“ 2. Bolshevik Kagan garrison now 2,000 strong, with 10 machine guns and
2 guns.
“ 3. Frequent communication between Bokhara and Kiva between whom close
relations continue.
“ 4. Amir of Bokhara has purchased 1,200 rifles during last few months and
continues buying at high prices.
“ 5. Bokharan Envoy invited Moscow by Lenin, but no reply yet sent.”
IX.—Afghan-Bolshevik Trade Relations.
15048. M., 3rd November. On 27th October large quantity of sugar arrived Merv
from Herat. Afghans demanded extravagant price, and would only take Nikolai
notes. Bolsheviks had none of these, and prices were much in excess of Bolshevik
controlled rates. Hence nothing doing except considerable increase in Bolshevik-
Afghan friction.
15240. M., 8th November. Afghans are said to have assumed complete administrative
control of Yulatan, and to have cancelled existing Bolshevik orders regarding
fixed prices and requisitioning of food supplies.
15338. M., 9th November. All Afghan travellers and traders are now carefully
searched on the frontier by Bolsheviks.
Message from Suric 9th November to Karakhan. The trade representative
Kalikor reports from Kabul that a commercial treaty is being prepared,
(c/. Issue L, § IX. C.G.S., X. 332.)
Suric is afraid of running short of funds, and asks for about 5,000,000 roubles
in Nikolai money, in 100 and 500 rouble notes.
15820. V., 24th November. Suric’s mission tendering 100 rouble notes in payment
for purchases at Herat. Bidding rate of exchange for these is down to 8 krans
(i.e. } 1 rouble = about penny).
X.—Barkatulla.
W. N., 326. *** Tashkend Soviet requests Moscow to send Barkatulla to Tashkend.