'Seistan' [‎111v] (222/782)

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13. Thus everything pointed to the fact M. Miller was trying to gond
both sides to a conflict. It was necessary, therefore, to counteract these
intrigues and to avert a disturbance.
The difficulty of the situation was aggravated by the animosity existing
between the local authorities and the Yamin-i-Nizam. Instead of making
common cause to circumvent a mutual enemy, the two factions acted inde
pendently with the object of bringing some charge or excuse for report on the
other. Purdil Khan refused to take orders or to consult with the Yamin-i-
R izam.
A further element of danger, and one which M. Miller was aware of,
existed in the fact that Purdil Khan—himself an impetuous character—was in
charge of a horde of undisciplined troops, who had been worked up, like the
rest of Seistan, into the belief that their country was being invaded, and that
nothing but an appeal to arms could save it. Under such conditions and with
the two forces marshalled opposite each other—the one Sunni, the other Shiah
it was possible that even the accidental discharge of a rifle might fan the popular
excitement into a flame. The extreme seriousness with which the situation
was regarded may be gathered from the fact that, before their departure for the-
frontier, both M. Molitor and his Persian Interpreter left formal instructions-
for the disposal of their private property and papers in the event of their not
returning alive.
14. Meanwhile I had obtained two interviews with the Deputy Governor.
I impressed on him the necessity of carrying out his negotiations with the
Akhundzada with all international courtesy, and urged him to warn his
representatives on the border on no account to resort to force of arms. I
reminded him of Article VI of the Treaty of 1857, and pointed out that the only
foreign Power which could intervene—should the necessity arise was Great
Britain. As His Britannic Majesty’s representative here, I said I was prepared
to do so if appealed to by both parties and on being authorised by my Gov
ernment, but I expressed a hope that his own diplomatic skill would render
such a course unnecessary. Thanking me, the Governor promised to write to
the Yamin-i-Nizam and Sardar Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. Purdil Khan on the subject.
15. Up to this time the Afghan and Persian representatives had not met,
though verbal messages of a somewhat bellicose nature had passed between
them. The Akhundzada also threatened to move his camp to Jellalabad on the
east bank of the Rud-i-Dashak, a branch of the new bed of the Helmund.
16. At this juncture I wrote a letter to the Akhundzada, with whom, as
already reported, 1 am on very friendly terms. With my letter I sent him a
present of a Persian copy of the “ Life of Amir Abdur Rahman ”. I briefly
expressed a hope that his negotiations with the Persian authorities would be
carried out with all that diplomatic courtesy which was the characteristic of his
country. I charged my agent, who, though an Afghan, is a British subject
and a resident of Bannu, to warn him verbally that there were certain people in
Seistan who, in order to benefit themselves, would welcome a disturbance on
the Afghan frontier, and who were now engaged in trying to bring about that
end. While discussing the contents of my letter, a letter from the Yamin-i-
Nizam arrived—the first that the Akhundzada had received from him. My
agent heard its contents, which were not of a courteous nature. The Yamin
informed the Afghan Governor that he could not cross into Persian territory
with impunity, and pointed out that the Persian Government had guns and
“ Cossacks ” behind them.
The Akhundzada summoned the Commandant of the troops and the Boun
dary Commissioner to help him in framing a reply. My agent was also invited
to attend. The two military members, it is said, recommended the despatch of
an ultimatum calling on the Yamin to retire. After some discussion, during
which my letter was again read, it was decided to send a temperate reply. The
Akhundzada sent me a copy of this reply, written in his own handwriting, to
assure me that he had followed my advice. A copy, with translation, is attached
for your information. In it, it will be seen, the Akhundzada concludes hy
inviting an interview, and asks the Yamin-i-Nizam to fix the rendezvous. In