Afghanistan

by A. Hamilton

This action on the part of the Government of India attracted the attention of the Amir who summoned the Sipah Salar to Kabul from Jelalabad for a conference upon the subject. Rumours had already indicated Abdur Rahman’s opposition to the Mohmand demarcation and storm clouds were gathering over the Kunar valley when, on June 12, the Commissioner of Peshawar, Mr. Richard Udny, chief of the future boundary commission, issued the following indiscreet proclamation:

PROCLAMATION.
From Mr. R. Udny, Commissioner and Superintendent, Peshawar Division

To all Bajauri, Mohmand, and other tribes inhabiting the country towards the Indian Empire, from the Kabul river to the southern limit of Chitral, from the boundary line now agreed upon between the British Government and the Amir of Afghanistan.

(1) Whereas certain questions were raised regarding the boundary between Afghanistan and India, and as H.H. the Amir, as well as the Indian Government, desired to have these questions disposed of in an amicable and friendly manner, so that for the future there may not be a difference of opinion and thought regarding the above matter between these two kingdoms, who have treaties and engagements between themselves. The Government of Great Britain, with the consent of H.H. the Amir of Afghanistan, during the month of September 1893—Rabbi-al-awal 1311 H., sent a Mission consisting of a few officers under the leadership of Sir Mortimer Durand to Kabul. And by the Mercy of God Almighty the two Governments in a friendly manner concluded an agreement, on November 12, 1893—2 Jamadi-al-awal 1311 H., regarding the limits of the country of H.H. the Amir towards India, for hundreds of (krohs) miles from Wakhan on the north to Persia on the south.

(2) In this agreement it was decided between the two Governments, already bound by agreements and engagements, that the Indian Government will never interfere at any time in the countries lying on that side of the line in the direction of Afghanistan, and that his Highness also will cause no interference at any time in the countries that may be lying outside the boundary line in the direction of India.

(3) With the object of demarcating this long boundary with facility and celerity, it was agreed upon by the two kingdoms, already bound by treaties and engagements, to divide this boundary line into certain parts, and each part of this line should be marked where it is found necessary by the British and Afghan Commissioners.

(4) Therefore I send this proclamation to you, that I have been appointed Commissioner by the Government of India to demarcate that portion of the boundary which pertains to the tribes noted at the beginning of this proclamation. In this condition of affairs I shall probably start shortly towards Afghan limits for Asmar, and being joined at this place by a Commissioner appointed by H.H. the Amir, demarcate the boundaries of Afghanistan from Chanak towards the Kabul river. I shall then, I hope, be able to point out the boundary on the spot. Until this is done it is not an easy matter for me to explain the exact features of the boundary. But at present a brief sketch of the boundary will be understood by you from the following details:

(5) Whereas the kingdom of Great Britain has agreed that H.H. the Amir should retain in his possession the country of Asmar on the north to Chanak situated on the Kunar river, or the river of Kashkar, the boundary demarcation will commence from Chanak in a south-westerly direction up to Kunar, and at a distance of a few English miles from the bank of the Kunar river towards Bajaur. From Kunar the boundary line goes southwards, and, taking a bend, ascends the hills close to Satala Sar, which hills divide the watershed between the Kunar and Panj-kora rivers. From Satala Sar the boundary line passes over the crest of the hill, on one side of which the waters flowing from the Dag Hills fall into the Panj-kora river, whilst the waters on the other side passing through the Satala valley, fall into the Kabul river. And in the centre of this hill lies the Kotal of Satala. The extreme end of the boundary touches the Kabul river in the vicinity of Polosi.

(6) From a review of the above details you will understand that in addition to the countries watered by the Kunar river which lie towards the limits of the Indian dominions, H.H. the Amir has agreed not to interfere in all that country the eastern waters of which fall into the Panj-kora river; nor to interfere or stretch his hand in that quarter of the Mohmand country the waters of which fall into the Kabul river below Polosi.

(7) On this account your future concerns and relationship will lie solely with the British Government and no one else, and I have a hope that by degrees there will be the same bonds of friendship between you on the one part, and myself and the frontier officers of the British Government on the other part, which has existed between the said officers and other tribes who reside outside the limits of the boundaries of the Peshawar District.