'Journal of a Journey from Persia to India through Herat and Candahar. Also Report of a Journey to the Wahebee Capital of Riyadh in Central Arabia' [‎63r] (125/268)

Ill
At the same time I would most deferentially submit, that per
haps many reasons might be adduced for according to Sultan
nned Khan a Treaty of one article, namely, friendship; while
o not understand that the arguments which militate against
reaty engagements with Afghanistan in general, apply to the
territory of Herat, whose independence and prosperity under tho
Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. have, on more than one occasion, been publicly announced
as the sole wish of Her Majesty's Government in respect to this
territory.
The advantages which might accrue to ourselves from such a
reaty would be greater security, and the consequent improved
commercial and political conditions of Herat itself; secondly, the
maintenance of one portion of Afghanistan free from anarchy on the
death of the Dost, and capable of becoming an useful nucleus for
the settlement of the Dost's dominions ; and lastly, the creation of
a guarantee for Sultan Ahmed Khan's fidelity to our interests, to
the exclusion of any renewed offers from adverse quarters.
1 he advantages which the Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. himself might derive from
the 1 reaty, would be the consolidation of his rule, and a more
widely recognized and superior status for himself.
Perhaps, too, it may be held by your Lordship that Sultan
Ahmed Khan merits some recognition from the English Govern
ment m compensation for the serious injury he has sustained at
the hands of our Agents, in connection with the Suddozeyee plot
and on account of his rejection of a Russian Treaty by the advice
of the English Minister. These latter circumstances have not
lowever, been urged by the Sirdar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. in support of his request"
which he has entirely based upon his own necessities, and upon
his conviction that there is no permanent stability or success for
any Afghan ruler, unless in an alliance with the British Govern
ment.
In respect to the deputation of an English Officer to reside at
Herat, I am of opinion that while the presence here of a Native -
Agent as our representative is a positive evil, the prolonged pre
sence of a plain dealing English gentleman in Herat, mndit have
extensive and excellent results*. Indeed I am not acquainted