'Persia and the Persian Question by the Hon. George Nathaniel Curzon, M.P.' [‎230] (265/714)

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230
PERSIA
that brought about war with Great Britain, and resulted in the
Treaty of Paris, by which Persia relinquished all claims to the
sovereignty of Herat, and all right of interference in Afghanistan.
Nevertheless, amid constant protests from the British Government,
Ali Khan returned with a Persian military escort to Seistan; and
both he and his successor, Taj Mohammed, who applied to Persia
for protection when Dost Mohammed appeared in the field against
Herat, acknowledged the sovereignty of the Shah, Throughout
this period the British Minister was continually protesting against
the violation of one clause of the Treaty of Paris, while the
Persian Government as continually kept inviting him to take
advantage of another, that promised the friendly offices of the
British Government in the event of any disagreement with
Afghanistan.' Shir Ali, too, who had succeeded his father Dost
Mohammed as Amir in 18(Jo, was equally anxious that something
should be settled. But at that time the ignoble policy of 'masterly
inactivity,' of which Lord Lawrence was the recognised champion,
was in possession of the field; and the Indian Government was
unwilling to recognise the ruler whom it was subsequently obliged
to pay. Accordingly, protests and appeals and excuses went on,
until at length, in November 18G3, Lord Russell, sick to death of
the squabble, penned a despatch in which he said that ' Her
Majesty's Government decline to interfere in the matter, and must
leave it to both parties to make good their pretensions by force of
arms ; a frank if not a very courageous subscription to the doctrine
that might is right. Taking advantage of this permission, Persia,
in 1805-66, marched a force into the country, occupied it, and
gradually brought all the Persian inhabitants of the province
under her sway, besides tampering with the Afghan allegiance
of the Beluchis. The Afghans behaved very quietly for a time;
but Shir Ali, who had now established himself firmly upon the
throne, and required to be treated with some respect, began
1 Both clauses occur in Article VI. of the Treaty. The first was as follows:—
' His Majesty the Shah of Persia engages to abstain hereafter from all interference
with the internal affairs of Afghanistan. His Majesty promises to recognise
the independence of Herat and of the whole of Afghanistan, and never to
attempt to interfere with the independence of those States.' The second clause
ran thus : ' In case of differences arising between the Government of Persia ai.d
the countries of Herat and Afghanistan, the Persian Government engages to
refer them for adjustment to the friendly offices of the British Government, and
not to take up arms unless those friendly offices fail of effect.'
SiiF.
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