'Lord Curzon's Notes on Persia' [‎560r] (1121/1386)

SUMMARY.
The arrival of General Kuropatkin’s messenger at Herat has been the
cause of much excitement and conjecture amongst the people, the general im
pression being that the Amir is about to form friendship with the Russians.
General Kuropatkin’s letter was to the effect that some new posts were
shortly to be established near the frontier for the better protection of Russian
subjects and some additional troops coming, but that this should not be con
strued into preparation for hostilities. On the contrary, he was sure that the
utmost good feeling existed between the two Governments, and would be much
pleased if the fact were made more patent by the Afghans selling provisions,
&c., to the Russian troops and by opening up trade routes from Herat to
Merv and Sarakhs. He added that non-compliance with his wishes would
be regarded by Russia as indicative of a hostile spirit on the part of the
Afghans. He also informed the Governor of his intention of visiting the fron
tier shortly, and expressed a wish to make his acquaintance. This letter caused
much perplexity to the Governor, but after consulting General Maclean an
evasive reply was sent stating that it was impossible to do anything until the
Amir’s wishes on the subject should be made known. To soften the refusal
the messenger was treated with the utmost respect and consideration.
The Amir has addressed the Viceroy on the subject of General Kuropat
kin’s letter, and has forwarded a copy of the reply which he has instructed
the Governor to send. In this he ignores all reference to the request about
supplies and opening up of roads, and practically says if the Russians send
troops to their frontier the Afghans will take similar steps.
The Governor of Kandahar for the stricter collection of the newly im
posed taxes has appointed certain officials of his own in addition to the regular
Tahsildars. It is stated that the Sarishtadars of revenue pay no attention to
the Governor’s orders, and affairs are in a general state of disorder. The people
of Kandahar are reported to be much disappointed at the Amir’s recovery.
In February last the Amir again addressed the Viceroy on the subject
of a British Mission to Kabul, and on the 5th of Al arch he was informed by
His Excellency that until His Highness would state more explicitly what
questions were to come under discussion, it was impossible for the Govern
ment of India to give its representatives the necessary instructions. His
Excellency added that it would materially forward matters if His Highness
would mention the places at which he desired a delimitation of the frontier and
the tribes and tracts which he regarded as within Afghan territory.
In a letter dated 24th of March the Amir repeated his wish for a mission
to be sent, and evading a statement as to the exact spot, merely stated that
he wished the delimitation to extend from the Kabul River to Seistan. The
matter is under consideration.
Some of His Highness’ late utterances in public durbar A public or private audience held by a high-ranking British colonial representative (e.g. Viceroy, Governor-General, or member of the British royal family). are noteworthy.
It having been reported to him by his news-writers that 30 British
officers of high rank had been killed on the Samana, His Highness remarked
“ Bravo ! The Tirahis have well maintained the reputation of Afghanistan.”
On another occasion piqued that his wishes with regard to the despatch of
a British Mission to Kabul had not been at once complied with, he roundly
accused the Indian Government of designs on his frontier and of purposely
deferring any demarcation of his southern boundary. He then announced his
• • •
intention of writing to the Russian Government and inviting them to form part
of the Commission for the definition of his frontier in the same way as English
officers formed part of the Commission for defining his northern frontier in 1885.
Not content with this, His Highness ordered 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. Habibulla Khan to take
steps to have his speech made public. Such action on the part of a Ruler,
subsidised by us and professedly friendly, is intolerable.