Kalat Affairs [‎305r] (17/172)

2°* Is tins a state of tilings which we should seek to perpetuate ? It
appears to be undoubted that not many years ago, the principal Chiefs claimed
and, perhaps, were entitled to a voice in matters affecting the general state. It
would, perhaps, be advantageous if the relations between the Khan and his
Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. were such, that he applied to them for their advice in matters of o Tave
importance, but that is a very different thing from our recognising and attempt
ing to enforce a claim to share in the administration. I believe that nothin" is
L more embarrassing than that we should thus tie ourselvss down to one unvary
ing principle of action in cases such as this, The circumstances of the people
^ith whom we have to deal are changing every day, and our relations change
too, and it is the height of unwisdom to stereotype our policy with reference
to them. We have numerous examples of this. In past times we have
entered into guarantees, in many instances, that rights then existing should be
preserved, and thus we find ourselves now bound to maintain a state of things
inconsistent with the altered conditions of the country, and which if we had
now to consider our position, we should never dream of establishing. Our
guarantees in Kutch and Katteewar are instances of this, are sources °of em
barrassment now, and are not unlikely to be still more embarrassing hereafter.
26. With reference to the Khelat Nobles, Colonel Phayre does not claim
that they have an actual guarantee from us, but he deals with the question
as if they virtually were entitled to one. In my opinion we must accept the
state of affairs which is being gradually developed in Beloochistan, and while
I would not ignore and put out of consideration the ancient relations that
existed in former times between the Khan and his Nobles, because they un
doubtedly must colour and influence to a certain extent popular feeling a mono*
the tribes, I believe that to refer to those relations as establishing what Colonel
Phayre calls constitutional rights would be retrogressive and impolitic.
27. I believe that while our Agent should be instructed to lose no oppor
tunity of counselling moderation and conciliation, and earnestly and urgently
impressing on the Khan the importance of such a policy, we should" allow
events to take their course, and the solution which appears impending to be
accomplished, which will consolidate the power of the Khan and establish
his supremacy. Twenty years ago our policy might have been different, but
twenty years have changed the relations of parties as well as the external
relations of the Khelat State.
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28. I must not, however, be understood to speak confidently of the result
of the Khan’s policy towards his feudatories. Any interference from outside
(such as Colonel Phayre’s if persisted in), the appearance on the scene of some
man of marked force of character or some unexpected event, may alter
the aspect of affairs. In anticipating the establishment of the Khan’s suprema
cy on a firmer basis, I speak only of what appears probable and what it is not
our interest to prevent.
29. The policy therefore to be pursued seems to be that recommended by
Sir W. Merewether, and already approved by this Government, to acknowledge
no authority but that of the Khan, to recognise the Chiefs in no other capacity
than his subjects, to abstain from all interference otherwise than bv counselling
, forbearance and consideration, and to refrain from any recognition of feudal
rights, which it is neither for our advantage nor the advantage of the countrv
to perpetuate.
30. As regards the arrangements which should be entered into with
regard to the Chiefs of the Murrees, we have already on more than one occa
sion expressed our views to the Government of India. To those views I still
adhere, and would only add that I think it essential that all our communications
with the tribes should be made by one officer, and looking to the importance of
the political relations of this Government with Khelat, that officer should be,
in my opinion, our Political Superintendent at Jacobabad.
31. All payments should be made in the Khan’s name by his Agent in
the presence of a Bristish officer.
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