Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about Afghanistan [‎11r] (22/312)

" TO l U UjfJl
A Bombay telegram dated the 18th inst. says that Gholam Hussein Khan, the
Envoy of the Indian Government, arrived at Cabul on September 10, and has
been hospitably received. At a private audience of Shere Ali he delivered to
the Ameer the letters with which he was entrusted from the Viceroy of India.
Mir Akhor, who is believed to be the bearer of despatches from the Ameer
respecting the mission, is expected hourly at Alimusjid. The mission in the
meantime remains at Peshawur, awaiting Mir Akhor's communication. A
headman of the Khyberi has anived at Peshawur, in accordance with the
arrangements concluded for the safe conduct of the mission through the
Khyber Pass. The Calcutta correspondent of the Times in a despatch dated
the 15th inst. states that preparations are being vigorously pushed forward
at Peshawur for the despatch of the mission to Cabul. The latest
information states that the number of the mission will amount to about 1 000
including camp-followers. Every effort is being made to keep the number |
within reasonable bounds, but it is necessary to carry supplies for the road. The
escort will be increased by an infantry detachment, and possibly by a troop
of the 10th Hussars. Arrangements have been effecled with the Khyberees ■
for a safe conduct through the Khyber Pass, an4 we have received hostages for
the due performance of this undertaking. The Commissioner will accompany
the mission as far as Pakha, on the other side of the Khyber Pass, where a
strong body of the Ameer's troops is stationed. The Nawab An honorific title; an official acting as a provincial deputy ruler in South Asia; or a significant Muslim landowner in nineteenth century India. Ghulam Hussein
Khan, the bearer of the Viceroy's letter, is said to be popular with the Ameer
and his nobles, to whom he is well known in consequence of having acted as our
agent at Cabul for many years. The correspondent continues
Shere Ali is reported to have been in favour of the succession of his grandson,
Ahmed Ali Jan, son of Mahomed Ali Khan, who was killed in 1865, near Khilat Ghilsi,
while fighting for his father's throne against 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. Azim Khan. Ahmed Ali is
described as an intelligent youth of about eighteen, with a pleasing demeanour and
fairly well educated. The mother of Abdulla Jan is said to have another son
still living, but incapacitated for rule by being totally deaf and dumb. The
report of Yakoob's escape is still unconfirmed. The Viceroy entertained Sir
Neville Chamberlain at a banquet given in his honour prior to his depar
ture for Peshawur. Lord Lytton made an impressive speech on the occasion,
to which Sir Neville returned a fitting reply. It is universally felt that a task
of no slight danger and difficulty has been imposed upon him, and he will carry
with him the sympathy and good wishes of all. As a measure of the passionate animosity
towards the British which it will be his duty to endeavour to convert to feelings of
goodwill, it may be sufficient to quote the following extract from the Ameer's speech
publicly uttered in open 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). :—"I have seven crores of rupees Indian silver coin also widely used in the Persian Gulf. by me, every
rupee of which I will hurl at the head of the British Government, and I will roll
the border tribes against them like blasts of fire." It is quite true that this bene
ficent intention was expressed some time ago, but we have no reason for believing
that the Ameer's feelings have in -the slightest degree been mollified since these words
were uttered—unless, indeed this has formed one of the results of the visit of the Russian
Envoy, a supposition possible, but hardly probable, and one on which it would hardly
be wise for General. Chamberlain to rely for the protection of his mission without taking
1 other precautions. The frontier is reported quite tranquil. The left wing of Jacob's
Rifles and a detachment, 250 strong, of Scinde Horse are ordered to proceed to Quettah.
A telegram from Calcutta says it was generally reported there on the
! 19th inst. that the King of Burmah was dead.
The Turkestan Gazette &c\x\0\xxizz$ that Khudojar Khan, ex-ruler of Khokand,
has fled to Afghanistan, and is now at Cabul. The same paper states that the
Russian troops, on reaching Scharkodeh, whither they had been despatched to
restore order, heard a rumour that Chinese bands had threatened to set fire to
all the artillery depots and powder magazines at Kuldja, with a view to deprive
the Russians of the power of making war against the Chinese. The sentries
were therefore increased, and all the material removed to places of greater
security.
The overland mail has brought files of papers to the 23rd of August from
Bombay. The papers are chiefly occupied with discussions on the Cabul
Mission, and the news contained in them, however, is of little general interest.
©
1
ENGLISH MISSION TO CABUL.'
[ebutek's telegram.]
calcutta, Sept. 21. i
General Sir Neville Chamberlain, accom- j
panied by the English mission, left Peshawur
this morning. Arrangements have been made
with the Afreedees for a'Safe conduct as far as
the outposts of the Ameer of Afghanistan,-and
Major Cavagnari, with a ftmall escort, will pre-
i cede the rest of the mission to Alimusjid, to
arrange for a further safe conduct. It is be-
i lieved that Mir Akhor, the envoy of Shere Ali,
[ is at Alimusjid, with orders from the Ameer v
RUSSIA AND AFGHANISTAN.
[reuter's telegram.]
constantinople, sept. 20 (BY
telegraph from syra).
The envoy from the Ameer of Afghanistan, 1
who recently arrived here, is stated to be en
deavouring to induce the Porte to conclude an
alliance with Russia.