IOR/L/PS/7/47 ff.293-300

Description

Scope and content : Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department (Frontier), to the Secretary, Foreign and Political Department, India Office, dated Simla 2 June 1886, forwarding for the attention of the Secretary of State for India, Kandahar newsletters nos. 14 and 15, dated 6 and 11 May 1886 respectively, written by Mirza Muhammad Takki, British Newswriter at Kandahar.On 6 May he reports that the Amir has introduced the use of passports for persons travelling within Afghanistan and abroad; that treasure has arrived from Herat, for onward transmission to Kabul; that the weekly fair at Baba Wali was cancelled on a rumour of war: 'Afterewards they found that the rumour was a false one. The people believe that before long there will be a disturbance and revolution in Afghanistan, and, bearing this in mind, they would believe without hesitation any rumour that reached their ears. It is also said that the people bet amongst themselves that the state of affairs will change within six months, and there will be a change of Government.'On 11 May reports the arrival of two Turks on their way to Mecca: 'The people of Kandahar suspect these two men of being (Russian spies). I also have some suspicion regarding them. I think that, as soon as Haji Ahmad enters British territory [who proposed travelling via Quetta], his case should be enquired into.'