"ملخص للأحداث الرئيسية. ١٩٠٨" [و‎‎٦‎٣] (١٥٦/١٣٠)

In the Zadran country there were symptoms of slight rebellion early in the
year, but the arrival of troops was sufficient to bring the people to their senses
Work was continued on the bridge over the Kabul river below the Communications.
Darunta gorge, but had to be suspended during the summer months on
account of the flo ds. It is expected that it will be completed by the end of
the winter. The authorities at Kabul appear to have determined that the best
alignment for a cart-road between Kabul and Jalalabad lies neither along the
Kabul river, nor over the Lataband pass, but along the ancient road, used in
the 1st Afghan War, through the Khurd Kabul pass. During the latter part
of the year work on this road was in progress. The Amir is apparently anxi
ous to open up a road fit for his motor car between Kabul and Jalalabad.
The heavy rains in June did a great deal of damage to the Tangi-Gharu route
which is now reported as impracticable for all but pedestrians. A good deal
of labour seems to have been expended during the year on the Kandahar-Kabul
road, which according to the report of Mr. Fennel, the Amir’s chauffeur, is
now better than the road between Quetta and Ghaman. Water-carts and a steam
roller were imported into Afghanistan via Chaman.
Work was commenced on the reconstruction of the ancient Chograk canal,
which takes off from the Helmand 24 miles above Girishk. As the work is
being executed entirely by forced labour it is not very popular. The canal is to
be called the Nahr-i-Saraj and will reopen a large portion of the country to
cultivation.
The boot factory at Kabul commenced work under Mr. Thornton. The
average daily output is about 60 pairs of boots.
Unusually large numbers of tribesmen and mullas have flocked to Kabul
during the past year from tribal territory on the British side of the Durand line.
In all probability the trade in rifles, which is a very lucrative profession, attract
ed a large number. Still the Afghan authorities, by means of allowances and
other expressions of friendship, do everything in their power to encourage visits
of the tribesmen to Kabul. They evidently realise that friendly relations with
the tribes afford a powerful lever in their dealings with the British Government.
The common bonds of Islam serve as a pretext for inciting the tribes to remain
a perpetual thorn in the side of the British Government. Sardar Nasarulla Khan
held the majority of the durbars to which the tribesmen were invited.
The principal mullas in Afghanistan have been most active during the Activity of Mulla9(
past year. Having been foiled in their attempts to raise a jehad against
the British in the early part of the year, they have been unceas ing in their
efforts to keep alive the hostile spirit, and to induce the public to believe that
war between the Afghan and British Governments is inevitable. The death
of the notorious Sufi Sahib occurred in December.
A severe blow was given to the Afghan authorities by the raid of suitanpur raid,
a gang of Zakka Khel and Shinwaris on a village near Suitanpur in the
Jalalabad district. The raiders had little success, and were roughly handled, but
the mere fact of it being possible that Afridis should commit a daring raid
against Afghan subjects appears to have given rise to much indignation.
Certain Afridis suggested that the tribe should take joint action for the punish
ment of the offenders, but it is consoling to note that up to date no greater
success has been attained than in the case of similar proposals for the punish
ment of raiders into British territory.
Mr. Hayden, of the Geological Survey of India, resigned his appointment European employs
with the Amir, as apparently no real interest was taken in developing the o£teAau^,
resources of the country and he had been subjected to a great deal of discourtesy
and hostility from Afghan officials. His resignation was accepted.
Messrs. Gentleman and Thornton left the Amir’s service during the year
under the pretext of proceeding on leave. They were so alarmed at the anti-
European feeling in the country and aUhe perils of the journey on the road
to India, that it is unlikely that they will return.
Mrs. Alice van Ingen, the Amir’s lady doctor, and her sister Mrs. Cooper
Abbs, both left the Amir’s service.