IOR/L/PS/7/47 ff.91-100

Description

Scope and content : Despatch from the Government of India Foreign Department (Frontier) to the Secretary, Political and Secret Department, India Office, dated Simla 7 May 1886, forwarding for the information of the Secretary of State for India, copies of newsletters from Herat, written by the British newswriter Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, Extra Assistant Commissioner, and dated 26 and 30 March 1886 and 3 and 7 April 1886.Among other matters, reports on the loss of life and property from snowfall of 29 March 1886, and contains some comments about local perceptions of the work of the Boundary Commission: 'It is said that both the Generals and another officer were talking together on the boundary question. One of them said it would be difficult to maintain any boundary settlement with the Russians, as, though none of his men (Afghans) would cross the frontier, yet some of the Russian subjects are sure to trespass without fear, and as an instance, he said a Russian came to Fort Maruchak, and a guide was sent back with him so that none should interfere with him, but on his return to the Russian camp he reported differently and said that the Afghans had placed a guard over him. In reply to this the other officer, who is a Colonel, said that a British officer should remain on the frontier, to which General Ghaus-ud-din Khan rejoined that perhaps the Amir would not agree to this. Another said that the British officers were hastening the business and agreeing to any boundary claimed by the Russians. The boundary pillars are shewn in the map that has been sent to the Amir within the (true) boundary line. The Russians are pushing on their railway and road. At the same meeting it was also mentioned that a few days before the late snowfall three detachments of Russian troops started for Merv, and, by the time they arrived, their toes were frost-bitten.'