Afghan policy on Seistan [‎508r] (3/6)

/,„ -^ 0 • 395-2543^ dated 20th November 1871.
From D. C. M^nabb, Esq., Commissioner and Superintendent, Peshawur Division
V*.-^ 1TC1IIS0 *Nh Esq., C.S.I., Secretary to the Government of India Foreioui
Deponent, with the G.-G. a , foreign
^ i nforma tion of the Supreme Government, translation of
Cabul dated 13tl1 November from Atta Mahomed Khan, British Agent at
Translation of report of Atta Mahomed Khan, Agent at Cabul, dated 13th November 1871.
The day before yesterday a khureeta An important letter usually sent in an elaborate textile pouch, dispatched as part of the royal or diplomatic correspondence of rulers and elites. sent by His Excellency the Viceroy
reached this Office, and I at once delivered it to His Highness the Ameer.
After pondering on its contents for two days, and taking counsel with the
leading men of the State, His Highness sent his answer to the Agency An office of the East India Company and, later, of the British Raj, headed by an agent. for trans
mission, and I forward it with this letter.
Regarding the meeting with the British Envoy, the Ameer expressed his
Conversation apparently reported to thoughts in this way—“ If the meeting were fixed
the Agent by some one desired to do so to take place at Jellalabad, I have no confidence in
y e meer.. • • • either the Khyber or the Mohmund routes; and if
he were invited to come to Cabul, it is well known that I have thousands of
enemies in this city, and these would not scruple to use every endeavour to com
pass the injury of the Sahib in hopes of bringing ruin and disgrace on me.
“ If the English Government merely wishes their Envoy to confer with me
on matters connected with Seistan, the official appointed by me could give all
the information and make any arrangements required on that subject, hut if it is
desired that the meeting should he with me personally, I know no other place
than Ghuznee where it could suitably take place at this time. All possible
precautions for the safety of the officers will be taken.”
In point of fact, the Ameer would go to Ghuznee expressly to meet the
Also a reported conversation com- officers deputed by the English Government, other-
municated to the Agent apparently by wise he has no business of his own to take him there,
desire of the Ameer, d. c. m. He said further—“ if it he arranged that a meeting
shall take place at Ghuznee, I will appoint 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. Wullee Mahomed Khan
himself to accompany the Envoy from Thull to Ghuznee. Erom Ghuznee to
Candahar I shall still feel anxiety night and day about the safety of the
officers.
But if the Sahib would come by way of Shikarpoor to Candahar, which is
a much safer route, I should feel relieved of all anxiety. I would appoint a
small force to accompany him for his protection, and would send Syucl Noor
Mahomed Shah to meet him on the border. If the Sahib come by the Koorum
route, the Syud (who would he the Agent appointed to represent Afghan
interests in the Seistan boundary enquiry) would meet him at Ghuznee. In any
case, I would not wish my representative to go to Persia for the decision of the
question, as I would consider that as derogatory to my dignity. It is obvious
that “there are two terminations to every conflict” (a Persian proverb). Such
being the case, if Seistan comes into my hands, well and good, but if the other
party get it, there will he a difficulty on that frontier for. ever, and I shah be
subject to a sneer from all both near and far. If the decision of this question
were to take place in a neutral country, that is to say in British territory, I
should have hopes of gaining my point, and even if I failed in that I would
not suffer so much in prestige.
In the mean time, as requested in the Governor-General’s letter, the Ameer
has issued stringent orders to 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. Shore Ali Khan, Candaharee, u ar
Mahomed Alum Khan, Ruler of Girishk; 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. Meer Afzul Khan, u ei o
Furrah; and 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. Mahomed Yakoob Khan, Ruler of Herat, to prevent any ot
their subjects from causing any sort of disturbances on the Seistan oic ei.
Exd.—T. Y.