File 3443/1914 Pt 3 'German War: Afghanistan and Persia; German agents; British troops in East Persia' [‎143v] (297/345)

26th September, where they were accommodated at Babar Bagh. The Amir
was at Paghman at the time, and did not return to Kabul until 6 th November,
the reason alleged for the prolongation of his visit, in spite of the lateness of
the season, being his unwillingness to give the Germans a public interview.
It is difficult to make out exactly what has happened. It is said that those
in European dress have not been allowed to leave the precincts, but that
Nasrullah and Inayatullah Khans have paid them long visits. It is also said
that five members of the party visited the Amir at Paghman on 2dth October
and presented their credentials, the Indian Moslem being particularly eloquent
on this occasion. The Amir is said to have replied that he would see them
again after consulting the nation : it is not known whether he has done so,
but the general belief in the Kurram at the beginning of November was that
he had rejected their petition and refused to allow them to leave Kabul.
The general impression left by the various reports is that the Amir himself
is firm, but that his policy is very unpopular and that the forces against him
are strong.
It does not appear that any further parties have entered from Persia.
Some Austrian prisoners who had escaped from Turkestan are said to be at
Maim ana, and the Kabul agent has mentioned lurks at Kandahar. Some of
the first party seem to have been left behind at Herat. The Governor of
Herat is said to have given strict orders as to the guarding of the
frontier.
A. H.
Extract from Letter from Viceroy to the Secretary of State dated
8th October 1915.
“ Extraordinary stories have reached us from Oabul, exaggerating the
number of Germans and Austrians who have reached that place, and
magnifying the part that they are likely to play in Afghanistan. As far as
1 can judge, the Amir has behaved quite correctly with respect to them.
ey are shut up inside a line garden with an Afghan guard put over them
and Utey are not allowed to see anybody, although their Native followers
are allowed to go about the town. Nasrulla and the Amir’s son Inavatulla
appear to be intriguing and trying to force the hands of the Amir into
declaring a Mad, but so far without success ; and I am counting a good
deal on the effect of the King s autograph letter, which you have so kindly
o Tamed for me, to stiffen the Amir in his opposition to these intrigues.
I ha ve sent a telegram to the Amir informing him of the imminent arrival
of the letter, and asking him to send an officer to the frontier near Landi
kotal to receive the letter. 1 will see that it is delivered to the Amir’s
otticer with a certain amount of ceremony on our side.”
Extract from Letter from Viceroy to the Secretary of State, dated
hth November 1915..'
“1 he attitude of the Amir continues to be most satisfactory. He has
had wo interviews with the Germans, who succeeded in penetrating into
r gianistan. At the first they pressed him to join in an alliance against
us, and he flatly refused, saying, that he could not break his alliance with
e Biitisb Government. On the second occasion thev asked him for
permission to return to Herat; to this request he gave no replv. but he has
had a strong guard placed over the garden in which they are located, and
th T are i vl Hua]ly prisoners. My belief is that the Amir regards this war
as the chance of his life to secure a satisfactory recognition of his position
both tiom England and Russia. He is one of the few statesmen in the East,
and Ins conduct has really been worthy of all praise.”