'ABSTRACT of DESPATCHES and MEMORANDA on Asiatic Politics and European Diplomacy in the countries between India and Russia, and especially in Afghanistan; and as to the establishment of a British Agent at Herat, to watch the progress of events on the Perso-Afghan frontier and in other parts of Central Asia; and further as to the continuance of the subsidy to Dost Muhammad.' [‎28v] (2/12)

subsidy. Butin the present state of their information, mid subject - to
such explanations as may be offered, they are disposed to doubt the policy oj
its discontinuance.
DRAFT of Proposed DESPATCH from LORD STANLEY to the
GOVERNOR-GENERAL, April, 1859.
Since despatches of February 3rd and 10th were sent, Governor-
General’s letter of February 2*2nd, enclosing Major Lumsden’s report on
Afghanistan, has arrived, with the notes of Colonel Edw r ardes and Sir J.
Lawrence. It is the concurrent opinion of these three officers, that “ the
“ British Government should cease from its efforts to secure by diplomacy
“ the independence of Herat, and, withdrawing from all political interference
“ in Afghanistan,should limit its defensive operation to its own frontier.” It
is contended that the independence of Herat is an unattainable chimera ;
but Her Majesty’s Government are of opinion that “ by ceasing altogether
“ from the efforts to maintain Herat independence they would expedite
“ its annexation to Persia,” and deem it “ a legitimate! object of diplo-
“ macy to retard what they may not be able eventually to prevent.” The
fortified posts recommended by Colonel Edwardes would be a work of
years and of excessive expense, and it appears to be sound policy, even if
this measure should be ultimately adopted, to make every exertion in the
interval to foil “ the aggressive spirit ” of Persia.
Her Majesty’s Government, therefore, adhere to the proposed plan of
dispatching a mission to Herat, not to interfere with the internal politics
of the country, “ but to watch the proceedings of other States, and to
“ establish such an influence with the de facto Governments of Cabul,
“ Candahar, and Herat, as will obstruct the advances of hostile states to
“ the Indian frontier.”
Importance of Dost Muhammad’s co-operation again referred to.
Experience has demonstrated that the Barakzye family alone can hold
the Afghans in subjection. Seventeen years have passed since Dost
Muhammad was restored from his captivity in India to his throne; and
every year has added to the consolidation of his power ; but at his demise
the present tranquillity of his dominions may be disturbed, and it is expe
dient that British interests should be represented in such a crisis, with
due regard to the not identifying them with those of any particular
claimant of power.
In the present state of Indian finance, Her Majesty’s Government
would regret the necessity for entailing expense on the Indian treasury;
but “ any moderate expenditure by which the maintenance of our influence
“ in Afghanistan may be accomplished,” must be viewed “ as a conservative
“ and economical measure, from which it would be narrow policy to shrink.”
* Words added by Lord Stanley in his own handwriting.
t Sir H. Rawlinson notes opposite this paragraph, that, owing to the treaty of Paris,
“ the maintenance of some political relations with the chiefs of Cabul, Candahar, and Herat,
“ has to a certain extent become obligatory on the Government of India .’ 1 See especially
Conclusion of Article YI.