'Through Persia on a side-saddle' [‎11] (22/360)

INTRODUCTION
xi
to possession. On the last-noted occasion I had the
advantage of the companionship of Colonel (now Sir
Edward) Ross, than whom I know no Englishman better
acquainted with, or better trusted by the Mekrani Baluchis.
Eventually these incidental experiences (incidental,
because they came to me in the course of my connection
with the Indo-Persian telegraph) resulted in my transfer
to the post of arbitrator in a boundary dispute between
Persia and Afghanistan. Of this contention it was intended
that the venue should be Ststan only: but circumstances
changed the original order of procedure, and the Perso-
Baluch frontier from Choubar northwards was brought
under international discussion. The following extract
from the pages of a well-known Review may be guaranteed
as an accurate statement:—
"Two important questions bearing upon the Eastern
frontier of Persia, inclusive of that section which constitutes
the outer frontier—or frontier beyond the actual frontier—
of North-Western India, meet with a greater share of
attention in Mr. Curzon's volumes than has been usually
accorded to them by recent writers on Oriental politics.
They relate to what are called the Perso-Baluch and Perso-
Afghan boundaries, the definition of which was effected by
British mediation some twenty years ago. The urgency
of the first settlement had been long pointed out and
pressed by the Director of the overland line of telegraph
connecting India with England, then in process of organisa
tion ; while the second was held of paramount importance
by the Government of India, to secure and consolidate the
rightful territory of the Amir of Afghanistan. The con
nection of the two questions may be set forth in a brief
retrospect of the event. A Mission, primarily intended for
Sistan, and amply provided with instructions for an