From the secretary to the government op india, foreign department to the resident in kashmir

The general tone of the secret information we have collected is to the
effect that if Sher Afzal were to come again, the life of even a sepoy" of the
Government of India would be respected but Nizam would probably-be killed at once. Such opinions have emanated in the main from individuals more or less friendly to us.

You will perceive that whatever the truth may be our difficulties are great and we shall have to exercise the utmost caution and discretion. Sher Afzal's faction is at present stronger than Nizam's, even with the mission thrown in, if troubles arose but I do not at present see why any such troubles should arise, especially now the passes are closed, and Abdur Rahman's able and faithful servant is out of the country.

I hope in a few days to get the 300 maunds of supplier I wrote to the Jamadar about from Roshan. We have a good house in a very fair position where we ought to be safe.

We have been most successful on the road in conciliating and pleasing the people, and have probably confirmed a good many waverers in their loyalty to Nizam. May our good luck still continue! But what to do about the country is a problem which will require much thinking. One thing only is certain. If we go back in our policy Chitral will be worse than merely dependent on the Amir and independent to us.

The chief danger is this - If Abdur Rahman gets mixed up with .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... .......................................... ..........................................

If we lose our hold on Chitral, Russian intrigues will at once begin. With

In discussing this aspect of the question, really most grave and momentous, one may expect to be considered an alarmist of the first water or a frontier official actuated by wild personal ambition.

Warnings and prognostications may be disregarded and the usual pacific assurances of the Russian Government be used as weapons with which to crush and mangle one's opinion.

We were assured, absolutelyassured, there would be no Russian move­ment oh the Pamirs last year. Had not the Russian Foreign Office distinctly said so to our Ambassador? Yet Murghabi, Aktash, and Bozai Gombaz are now within the dominions of the Czar. We shall be probably promised a boundary commission, or some similar devices for amusing us, while the Russians keep pushing steadily on. In the end no one will be to blame. We shall lift up our hand in shocked amazement at Russia's wickedness and dupli­city, while we ought to be hiding our -faces from shame at being fooled in so childish a manner. As a matter of fact we are not fooled at all. It is only, our peculiar English way of making ourselves believe anything which will save us the necessity of prompt and energetic action. It is so much pleasanter not to anticipate troubles. A cheery, confident manner is much more agree­able than an anxious brow, and marks the strong, calm, imperturbable states men in popular opinion.

My opinion is that to lose Chitral now would be a piece of extravagant folly, which may lead in the near future to great embarrassment of the Imperial finances. To hold it is not difficult, and is a comparatively inexpensive measures. To even let Yasin slip out of our hands, now that Russians are on its borders, would be sheer political madness.

I appreciate all the difficulties of sending up British troops of feeding them, and so on. Also the objection to having men in isolated positions, and from where they could not be quickly recalled to India.

With an alternative road through Kaghan and Chilas, most of the present difficulties in transporting men and supplies should be overcome.

You know that the danger in this part, of the world, of having men in strongly fortified posts, well provided with food and ammunition, is very slight even if the posts are isolated. We could hold Chitral and Yasin securely, if you had a brigade of British Indian troops at Gilgit in addition to the present garrison, and possibly an even smaller, reinforcement than this would be sufficient.

To avoid wounding Kashmir susceptibilities, all might be included in the Agent's guard. We ought in any case to hold Yasin permanently, and whatever may be eventually decided about Chitral, I think we ought to hold it at least until the boundary, disputes with Russia have been settled by a commission

We do not want Chitral to be considered an independent "buffer. State. The "buffer". State must be on the other side of the Hindu Kush the importance of our dominating Chitral at the present time cannot be over estimated. If this is not done, we may easily find ourselves confronted with the gravest difficulties.

There seems also to be no disguising the fact the .......... ....................... ......................

requires careful thought. Various possibilities have to be considered, but the number is certain to be much smaller than that people unacquainted with the country would consider necessary. We ought to have at least half the popu­lation with us, and this proportion with judicious management would rapid­ly become very much larger.

Nizam has not changed his nature. He is still the same untrustworthy irresolute-creature, he always was. While we are actually here, he can be influenced in the proper direction, and kept straight. For the rest, he sways to every wind. Yet there is no one else whom the Chitralis could be brought to obey, except Sher Afzal, and his being Mehtar means that Chitral world become an Afghan province in realty, but concerning which the Amir would disclaim all responsibility. In name it would be an independent Khanate avowedly hostile to us.

Continual reports are being brought that Umra Khan has been defeated with heavy loss by Safdar Khan of Nawagai, who is said to have captured 180 Martinis. Another fight is said to be imminent.

I wish we could learn the decision of Government about Chilas and the' Khagan road. People here are wondering ff we have really taken Chilas per-V manently. I trust it may be so.

P.S.—Your demi-official No. 150 of the 11^th instant just received. Abdul Hakim is only called Native Attache to give status. There are other Munshis with us. I of course have no power to confer ranks or titles on anyone. He quite understands this. It is very convenient' for me to have such an able, trustworthy man, whom. I can use in positions where a simple Munshi or a Superintendent of an office could not be employed.
No. 1151, dated Sialkot, the 24th March 1898

From - Lieutenant-Colonel D.W.K. Barr, Officiating Resident in Kashmir

To - The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department,

In continuation of my letter No. 897, dated the 7^th March1893, I have the honour to forward for the information of the Government of India, a copy of the marginally noted letters, with their enclosures in original, received from the British Agent, Gilgit, forwarding extracts from the Chitral Mission Diaries for the dates from the 18^th to the 30^th January 1893, inclusive.

(2) No. 480-R. dated 11^th February 1893

(3) No. 548-R. dated 16^th February 1893

(4) No. 571 dated 18^th February 1893

______________

From - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B. British Agent, Gilgit,

To - The Resident in Kashmir.

I have the honour to forward extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary up to the 20^th, January 1893, despatched from Kaghazi, one march from Chitral, on the 24th January 1893.

2. The reports continue to be extremely satisfactory so far as the reception of the Mission is concerned.

3. I do not understand Mr. Robertson's reference to Nizam-ul-Mulk's' injury to Afzul-ul-Mulk, though, of course, it points to his having outraged or insulted 'the latter's wife. I have never heard anything of this, but I know-that he intended marrying his brother's widow.

________________

Extracts from Chitral Mission Diary, dated Mastuj Fort, the 18^th January 1893.

* * * * * * * * * * *

So far the work of the Mission has been successful beyond anything which could have been anticipated. Most gratifying proofs of its popularity have been shown everywhere. Its reception on this side of the Shundur has been even more satisfactory than in the Yasin district, where there seemed little left to desire on that score. The pleasing news has just been brought that the doubtful Laspur people, headed by their shifty Hakim Muhammad Rafi, have all sworn allegiance to Nizam-ul-Mulk on the Koran. This ceremony was gone through in the presence of Mehtar Joo Bahadar Khan and Wazir Inayat Khan, without any member of the Mission being in any way associated with it.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The Laspur people think they will be protected in the future by the British officers at Chitral, and that they will not have to suffer again from the demands, the insatiable demands of Abdtillah Khan or any other Governor. They anticipated that their self-chosen headman, Muhammad Rafi, will after a time follow in the footsteps of all his predecessors, and begin to oppress Englishmen in Chitral.

Inavat Khan is evidently thirsting for revenge on Afzul-ul-Mulk enemies. He is declared to have sworn that, unless, the slayers or Afzul-ul-Mulk are ........................................................................................................

* * * * * * * * * * *

(2) In an interview with Bahadar Khan and Inayat Khan just before they started Mr. Robertson took the opportunity to express his gratification, at the news he bad he a rd of the return to their allegiance of the Laspur people and also to reiterate the position the Mission occupied in relation to the Mehtar Sahib. His hearers were highly gratified and expressed their pleasure in the usual by hyperbolical phrases of the country.

(3) Following this, Muhammad Rafi, who has to return to his village to make arrangements for his approaching visit to Chitral, was introduced. He was given a present of Rs. 50 and thanked for his good arrangements. He was also promised a "khilat" which he would receive at Chitral when the other notables received theirs. He instanced his services in the present Mehtar's cause and repeated his expressions of loyalty to, and personal affec­tion for, that prince. He was answered that Nizam-ul-Mulk's friends were Mr. Robertson's friends. He then took leave of Mr. Robertson and Captain Younghusband and seemed greatly delighted at the way he had been treated. He is however a great scoundrel and cannot be relied upon, although for the present lie may be trusted to keep more or less straight in his action.

(4) Subsequently several of the chief men of Laspur were received and dismissed to their ......... with money presents suited to their rank and position. They were all friendly in their demeanour, and several were eloquent concerning their attachment to the Mission and its officers.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(6) Mastuj has suffered greatly from the late disturbance. The fort in
which the Mission is halting has been cleared of everything of value. There is not a carpet in the place on which to place an honoured guest, nor any tea apparatus with which to entertain him.

(7) Not only were the coolies sent off to-day happy in carrying their loads, but Mr. Bruce was besieged by people anxious for work. They begged him to employ them also. Those who went to-day return to night to carry fresh burdens tomorrow. One or two enterprising individuals asked to be given two loads instead of one in order that they might earn double wages.

(8) When Sher Afzal summoned the Yarkhun Valley people to attend his. Darbar at Chitral all the Adamzadas, with, the exception of Abdullah Khan and one or two of his relations who fled to Gilgit, obeyed the order, but the villagers declined to go.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(10) Slier Afzal 'a plan of making himself popular was to promise every one whatever he asked. If a man demanded as his right certain fields or houses they were promised him on the spot, and every one left Sher, Afzul's presence confident and happy. As was pointed out by certain headmen, Sher Afzul remained so short a time in the country that it was impossible for people to find out how fallacious his assurances must necessarily be. He is still looked upon by very many people as their friend and would be benefactor.

(11) Several of the Adamzadas were asked by secret agents in the course of conversation if they were pleased at the Mission coming to Chitral. Their answers suggest the idea that they are not pleased and their chief reason is that British officers are principally interested in the poor giving very little to men of rank and wealth a blow. It is impossible to understand why Sher Afzul ran away. Even after he had fled it needed much persuasion to induce) Nizam-ul-Mulk to occupy Chitral although his enemy had left the country. It seems he fear he uncle greatly, and is in dread lest the fate of Afzul-ul-Mulk overtakes him also Nizam-uI-Mulk who had injured his brother in a way never to be forgiven, and had been forced to become a fugitive by the wronged husband, yet entertained a sincere admiration for Afzul, and would not for some time believe the latter had been killed like a rat in a trap and with no heaps of slain enemies round him. He has probably now exchanged his dread and admiration of the dodged relentless Afzul for identical sentiments towards the man who so speedily defeated and slew the latter.

* * * * * * * * * * *

(9) The people through their Snyads are complaining" at having to give

_______________

No. 480-R., dated Gilgit, the 11^th February 1893.

From - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B., British Agent at Gilgit,

To - The Resident in Kashmir.

I have the honour to forward extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary, dated 26^th January, from Chitral, but only bringing the news of the Mission up to the 22^nd January.

2. The news as to the reception of the Mission and as to our influence in the country continues very good. But if satisfactory under this head the information given by Mr. Robertson as to Nizam-ul-Mulk's power is very much the reverse. Though we may hope that so soon as the fact of Sher Afzul's, being interned in Kabul becomes known, a change of feeling will become apparent, and many now partisans of Sher Afzul's will join Nizam-ul-Mulk.

3. Thu result of Chitral being held by a nominee of the Amir's, the in stant proclamation of a jihad against us arid our friends, is interesting and in structive. That the attempt to raise a religious war failed is an accident attributable to two causes the first, that the Chitralis are not bigots; the second, that our influence now in the Eastern Hindu Kush is so great that the idea of resisting us was not for a moment entertained. Still in this case we may well take the will for the deed, and we can gauge the chances which would be ours, were Chitral and Yasin in the hands of a nominee of the Amir's, of establishing our influence in this important section of the frontier.

4. It is too early yet to often an opinion as to the course to the course to be pursued by Government in Chitral, Mr. Robertson having as yet been too short a time in the country to formulate any definite scheme, but the necessity for stationing British officers in Chitral, suggested in a former letter, seems not to be gainsaid if we are to retain our hold on the country.

______________

* * * * * * * * * * *

Although we hear so much from the Sayads about money being of no use to the poor people whose grain we have to take Khushwakt reports that ................... Bruce was paying the villagers to-day for carrying loads close at .................... quarrel was going on between the headmen and Inayat Khan on the one .............. and the villagers on the other. The latter declared they ............................................. paid for by the Mission, and they did not intend headmen to keep ............................ price front them.

(2) Rab Nawaz Khan Bahadur met me on my arrival in come. He gave much information about affairs. His opinion coincides with that of every time who seems well acquainted with the subject, and it is that unless Sher Afzul is kept away from the Chitral frontier towards Asmar or Zebak, and .unless a British officer is stationed fit Chitral, and Nizam, proclaimed and installed. Mehtar by Government, Nizam cannot possibly hold the country.

(3) The Jemadar has evidently the poorest ideas of Nizam and doubts his courage, his ability, and "his sincerity equally.

(4) Sher Afzul assembled the Mullas and proclaimed a jihad against the British, and against Nizam and his followers as the allies and friends of the British. But the people although enthusiastic about Sher Afzul declined to fight against the great army said to be on its way from Gilgit in support of Nizam. They said they had no power to resist such a force, and that Sher Afzul should fight with the ..................... he had brought with him.

(5) The actual capture of Chitral by Sher Afzul when Afzul-ul-Mulk was killed seems to have been a clever piece of scheming. The secret of Sher Afzal coming was so well kept that it is obvious nearly all Afzul-ul-Mulk's men were disaffected and ready to join the adventurer. Sher Afzul must have been in Lutku several clays and yet his being there was entirely unknown to those chiefly concerned at Chitral. Sher Afzul had not more than a hundred men from Badakhshan with him, but they all wore fur-caps, and at the actual attack shouted their cries in Persian only. Those rot in the secret and ready to help Afzul-ul-Mulk, were dismayed into the belief that the Afghan army was upon them, and resistance useless. It was altogether a most cleverly devised and admirably executed night attack.

(6) Nizam and his advisers in their turn landed a clever coup characteristic of the country. It seems that Sher Afzul's son commanding as Drasan had a servant who was brother to one of Nizam's followers detached his brother from the side of the enemy and persuaded him to go to his master to say Sher Afzul had hastily recalled him to Chitral Placing implicit trust in the faithfulness of his servant, Slier Afzul's son at once obeyed the supposed orders of his father and Nizam achieved a bloodless victory.

(7) Nizam-ul-Mulk is said to be secretly resentful at not having received all the aid he expected from Gilgit, especially armed support.

(8) Rah Nawaz Khan thinks there are very few people in Chitral thoroughly loyal to Nizam. All look upon Sher Afzul as an "Imam," a most good though unfortunate prince. Sher Afzul seems to be a man of unusual ability with immense power of influencing those brought in contact with him. He is experienced in eating with men of all classes. He declared on leaving Chitral that he would shortly return with an Afghan army from Asmar and his statements were implicitly believed. This accounts for so few of his adherents following in his flight. They stopped behind in accordance with his orders. He told them not to run away unless Nizam began putting people to death. The Amir's action is believed on all hands to be the outcome of his known bitter but secret enmity to the English.

(9) We hear from every side that if the Mission had not come into the country immense numbers would have deserted Nizam and joined Sher Afzul. Nizam is said to have no power of winning people over, nor any money with which to buy their good will.

(10) There is an impression amongst the Chitralis that a portion of their country Yasin has been given by the Mission to Muhammad Wali Khan, that Mastuj is to be handed over to Khushwakt Khan and that Nizam is to be a mere pageant Mehtar in Chitral. The whole country in short has been taken by the English.

(11) Although there is still a pretty general belief that Mehtar Afzul-ul-Mulk was poisoned by Ghulam ................. ..................... ..................... ....................... ....................... ..................... .............

emetic to relieve the feeling of oppression in the chest. The labouring worn out heart could not bear the strain of the vomiting, and the poor old Mehtar fell back dead. It is not surprising that people think he was poisoned. Shahi Mulk and others swore they would kill Ghulam Mohi-ud-din. There is this excuse for the latter that the Mehtar insisted on taking heavy meat meals which no doubt greatly impeded the action of the heart. To get rid of this trouble, the emetic was given. Under the circumstances it was kill or cure, but probably the Hospital Assistant did not fully appreciate how near death the Mehtar really was.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

(3) Umra Khau seems to have suffered severely at the hands of the Kam people, not less than 200 of his people having been already slain.

(4) Umra Khan is said to attribute the protection he has received from the Government of India, against the Amir, to a desire on the part of Government to annex his territory for itself.

(5) In the event of the Mission not going to Chitral Umra Khan intended to make an attempt on the country and had made arrangements for an attack. Rab Nawaz Khan says he has a letter in his possession which clearly shows this.

________________

No. 548, dated Gilgit, the 16th February 1893.

From - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B., British Agent at Gilgit,

To - The Resident in Kashmir.

I have the honour to forward extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary from 23^rd to 27^th January, in which amongst other information occurs the description of the reception of the Mission by Mehtar Nizam-ul-Mulk.

2. The attitude and the feelings of the people and leading men and the general condition of the country are described as in former extracts, additional interest being given to those now forwarded by the views of a number of the Adamzadas being quoted

3. It is evident that Nizam-ul-Mulk in his anxiety not to lose the support of the British Government owing, to cruel reprisals has pushed leniency to the limit of stupidity and weakness. A Mehtar who is afraid of punishing treachery, and who treats friends and foes alike, is not likely to make a himself stronger respected by his subjects. It is of course a fault on the right side, but it is undoubtedly as fault.

4. The Mehtar's attitude and that of his most trusted friends Wafadar Khan, etc., at the reception of the Mission the fear that the usual feu. de joie should be turned into real earnest, the scant respect paid to the Mehtar, and the contempt with which he is regarded by many of his subjects, are unsatisfactory symptoms. Much to the present feeling can be put down to the Mehtar's flabby leniency, but a good deal must be due to the belief that Sher Afzal will return.

5. The position is evidently full of difficulty for Mr. Robertson but the line he has taken of re-assuring the Mehtar, of trying to include him to assert himself, and his refusal to interfere in matters which are Nizam-ul-Mulk's to decide must before long have the desired effect, and we may hope to see Nizam-ul-Mulk really ruling.

6. The question likely to be raised by Nizam-ul-Mulk refusal to recognized Muhammad Wali as ruler of the Yasin district promises to be extremely thorny. Though we may proclaim the fact that the Mehtar is the sole authority to be consulted in the matter, it must be acknowledge that, but for the support which the presence of the Mission gives Nizam-ul-Mulk, he would not be able to remove Muhammad Wali without a struggle. As movement of troops to Gupis in November last prevented fighting in Yasin and decided matters in Chitral, so the presence of the Mission now prevents the country splitting up. It is impossible to ignore the fact that we are the real arbiters in this matter I have as yet received no letters from Mr. on the subject.

7. Nizam-ul-Mulk's proposal to attack Umra Khan at once is a most

8. It seems clear from Mr. Robertson's remarks on the personnel of the staff kept up by Government in Chitral, that it will be advisable to make a change. Good work was undoubtedly done in the days of Aman-ul-Mulk, but after Afzul-ul-Mulk's succession there was evidently much to be desired, and it is impossible to trust to strong partisans for accurate information or for thoroughly honest work.

_____________

Extracts from Chitral Mission Diary, dated Camp Barnes the 23rd January 1893.

The following are items of secret information collected, in the course of conversation by Abdul Hakim. It shows the opinions of more or less repre­sentative men :-

1. 
   Taib Shah, son of Mehtar Jao Kamal Shah of Zani, near Drasan, was one of Afzul-ul-Mulk's trusted men. He has a complaint against Nizam-ul-Mulk who has given his lands to Bahadur Shah. He thinks Nizam is incapable and could never have stayed during the winter in Chitral if the Mission had not come. Sher Afzul is certain to come again if the Amir lets him. Muhammad All Beg (Nizam's uncle), Fateh Ali Shah Aksakal, Nayal, Minawar, and others are all Sher Afzul's staunch adherents. Taib Shah thinks Sher Afzul will enter Chitral secretly and murder Nizam. Most of the notables are displeased at the coming of the Mission. If there is a British officer at Chitral when Sher Afzul arrives, the Englishmen will be personally safe, but his presence will not prevent Nizam being murdered by Sher Afzul's friends. Peace can never be restored to the country unless the head intriguers are seized and punished. The people of lower Chitral are afraid of Sher Afzul and consequently in with him. The inhabitants of Turikho, Murikho, Mastuj and Koh have not seen Sher Afzul and know practically nothing about him, but they are not hostile to his cause.
   
2. 
   Jamadar Bab Nawaz Khan thinks that even if British officers are in Chitral peace will not be restore to the country. Sher Afzul will return and murder both British officers and Nizam. It is absolutely necessary that Sher Afzul he kept by the Amir from entering Chitral. He also thinks it possible that Nizam will join his uncle against the English.
   

3. 
   Khushbai of the Khhusshamadi tribe Charvelo of Reshan who .............................. ... Aziz Beg as Mehtar's Vakil at Gilgit, said the people of Chitral were happy about the Mission coming, for they now get wages for everything they do. Formerly when British officers visited the country, they laboured without ecompense. The people would not believe a Mission was to be sent. Now everyone sees it; they all believe Nizam-ul-Mulk is fully strengthened.
   

4. 
   Hazir Adamzada of the Sangala tribe of the village of Gohkir said all his people were pleased the Mission had arrived. It would give peace to the country and allow people to sleep in their homes without anxiety. He said the desire of his people was to petition Mr. Robertson that they might be accepted as subjects of the Government of India.
   
5. 
   Mirza Khan Aksakal of Mastuj says the poorer classes are pleased with the Mission, because its advent cannot make their lot worse than it was. They hope and think it will reduce their oppressors, the Adamzadas to the same condition as themselves, and that they also will have to carry loads. This idea gives them the greatest satisfaction. The Adamzadas are on the other hand, very much annoyed about the Mission. They think in three or four years they also will have to carry loads, that their serfs will be liberated, and as Government will pay for all labour in rupees, they will be unable to get any one to work for them as they cannot compete with Government in the payment of wages, He says Muhammad Wali has been lately intriguing with
   Khuda Alam, the Charvelo of Buni, with the object of inducing the people to proclaim Muhammad Wali as their Mehtar, but nothing came of the busi­ness.
   
6. 
   Hazratullah Khan, Charvelo of Barnes of the Khisrawe tribe, says the people of his place had sworn allegiance to Aman-ul-Mulk, and will accept his son Nizam. Besides, when Aman-ul-Mulk consulted the people whether he should make friends with the Amir or with the Government of India, they all plumped for the Farangis. They are still of the same mind and will accept Nizam if Government wishes it and tells them to do so. Sher-Afzul fell on the country like a calamity from heaven. Many people submitted to him from fear and many because of his honeyed speeches and kind treatment of them, but the people from Kaghazi upwards will never accept him as Mehtar or have anything to do with him. Sher Afzul gave the Barnes people eight rifles and sent them to guard the Darosh fort, yet when Sher Afzul fled, the Darosh garrison promptly shut their gates against him. Hazratullah was curious, to find out if the Mission wanted the people to accept the Government of India as their ruler, or whether it wished them to have Nizam for their Mehtar. He wanted to discover the real motives of Government. He added, all the people would do as Mr. Robertson wished.
   
7. 
   Mirza Khan Aksakal of Mastuj in a second conversation said Nizam had about half the country on his side; but as since his arrival he had treated friends and foes precisely alike, the former were dissatisfied, and said it was no use serving a king who neither rewarded his friends nor punished his enemies. He began to talk disparagingly of Rab Nawaz Khan and said he had done him useful service without getting any reward. He said he would often give Abdul Hakim news. Abdul Hakim answered that both he and Rab Nawaz Khan were servants of Mr. Robertson and that it would be the same thing whether the news were carried to Rab Nawaz Khan or to Abdul Hakim.
   

* * * * * * * * * * *

Several headmen who accompanied the Mission from Barnes were dismissed with suitable presents. One of them Bahadur, Fateli All Shah's brother became enthusiastic in consequence and was moved to make the following confidences to Abdul Hakim. He said the Mission was liked by every one because it had given peace and quiet to the country, Sher Afzul during his ......................... in Chitral said he had eaten the salt to the ............................. ..................... ..............

Extracts from Chitral Missions Diary, dated Camp Kaghazi, the 24^th January 1893.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The Mehtar received the officers of the Mission at the nullah about two miles below Kari. He warmly welcomed Mr. Robertson and was then introduced to Captain Younghusband, Mr. Bruce and Mr. Gordon. A large gathering of Chitral's accompanied the party. It had been considered inexpedient to have the usual musketry firing salute at the point where the Mastuj and the Latko rivers meet, for fear lest some of the disaffected should open fire in real earnest on the Mehtar and his friends. This point had been, insisted on by Rab Nawaz Khan. At the shooting at the high mark which took place in the large maidan just before the bridge is reached, the Mehtar reined back his horse into the crowd behind Mr. Robertson. This action may have been due to his horse not standing fire well, but some observers attributed it to prudential motives on the part of the Mehtar, The British officers were received politely on all hands and many old acquaintances were ................... to Mr. Robertson's notice, but there was an unmistakable air of flatness ........... whole affair, which made it certainly depressing while Nizam-ul-Mulk ............ and anxious looks increased this impression. A notable thing was the lack of reverence with which the Mehtar was regarded by his subjects, most remarkable to any one who had witnesses similar gatherings in the time of Aman-ul-Mulk. He officers were ............ to a house on the further side of the mullah beyond the Serai, by the Mehtar and all his following. As the fort was passed a salute of eleven guns was fired. After tea had been handed round and compliments exchanged, the Mehtar returned to the fort. Amongst those who went to receive Mr. Robertson were two of the "Just" of the Katir Kafirs, Gulmer and Ghazah Shah, and two of the Kamdesh "Just," Sharjak and Tarak Azam Khan, also four or five other Kafirs. They were all full of smiles and running up to Mr. Robertson kissed his hands. Subsequently they were given food and had a short conversation with Mr. Robertson when the troubles the Kafirs had undergone at the hands of Umra Khan were enumerated. The Kafirs said, "You went down as far as Bailan, therefore all the country is yours. Umra Khan has taken your country. But political questions were not entered into, Mr. Robertson pleading fatigue from his journey and promising, to renew the conversation on a subsequent occasion.

News has again been received which declares Umra Khan has been defeated by Safdar Khan of Nawagai, has lost a great number of men and nearly two hundred Martinis. Confirmation of this report is still wanting.

On all sides the same opinion of Nizam-ul-Mulk is heard. He is incom­petent and chicken hearted: where he is not absolutely unpopular he is looked
upon with indifference akin to contempt.

Extracts from Chitral Missions Diary, dated Camp Kaghazi, the 26^th January 1893.

* * * * * * * * * * *

The greater part of the day has been taken up with endless interviews until talking became a sheer weariness of the flesh.

Nizam-ul-Mulk had as long conversation with Mr. Robertson which lasted from half past two till nearly five. Every effort was made to re-assure the Mehtar in every way in the hope that he will re-assert himself and act in the future more like a king. On one or two points he was reminded that he was Mehtar and that it was his prerogative to settle the questions mentioned. He seemed greatly pleased at this view of the matter being insisted on. He was obviously so determined in his hostility to Muhammad Wali, that it was useless to opposite his firm resolution to remove that prince from the Governorship of Yasin without showing ................. .....................................

Muhammad Wall's ease was to be the subject of further discussion. Nizam also wanted to attack Umra Khan and turn him out of Narsat at once, protesting that the Jandol Khan was wickedly ambitious and that Narsat had been the property of the Mehtar's of Chitral for two hundred years. On this point also it was decided that Mr. Robertson should write a friendly letter to Umra Khan in the hope of avoiding all ill-feeling, and that the reply to this letter should be awaited before any decision should be arrived at. The interview closed in a most friendly manner. There were also present Captain Younghusband, Bahadar Shah, Kohkan Beg (for a short period), Waffadar Khan, Bud Khan and the Jamadar and Abdul Hakim who acted as interpreter.

It is difficult to ascertain what absolutely faithful men Nizam can count upon. Of them Abdullah Khan and Bahadar Khan are sure. Inayat Khan and others are friends chiefly because they happen to be enemies of Sher Afzul. Of Nizam's fast friends, Waffadar Khan and Must Khan, it may be said they do more harm than good to their master as all their thoughts are devoted to lighting out their own quarrels with one another and with Inayat Khan and other ................ of Nizam-ul-Mulk.

Bahadar Khan is a man of comparatively little influence. Inayat Khan is generally hated because he abused his influence with Aman-ul-Mulk to lay covetous hands on other peoples' property Mehtar Jao Kohkan Beg is a man of doubtful loyalty. Mehtar Jao Muhammad Ali Beg is disloyal and devoted to Slier Afzul, without any doubt at all. Mehtar Jao Yadgar Beg is also believed to be inclined to Sher Afzul.

Even Bahadar Shah's real attachment to Nizam is doubted by the Jamadar, but the former has just been given lands belonging to his cousin, an adherent of Slier Afzul, so Bahadar Shah's loyalty may be considered safe, for a return of Sher Afzul would strip him of their possession.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, the Hospital Assistant, wants to go back to India and retire. He will go as soon as the road is open. He is very timid and frightened and cautioned Mr. Robertson to be very careful about the officers the Mission going about unguardedly.

Everyone in Chitral accuses his fellow country men of being "Shaijans" and "Badmashes". This remarkable unanimity of opinion may truth as its basis.

Everyone seems to admire Sher Afzul. Even Ghulam Mohi-ud-din offers a tribute to his princely bearing and his general ability. He is spoken of as a famous soldier, a "Narm" prince, and so on. No one scruples to praise him openly to Mr. Robertson.

______________

Afzul-ul-Mulk was ordained for destruction. He committed follies of every conceivable kind. He had women scrambling for .............. Kafirs dancing. His profusion and extravagance were extraordinary of State, Chamberlains and other functionaries with high .................... titles. He gave himself the airs of a mighty western King, and .............. permitted audiences to a favoured, few on special occasions. He kept himself haughtily aloof. This was his conception of the attitude to be observed by the students of western manners suddenly raised to the petty rulership of Chitra. But his inborn savage instincts were not to be suppressed by his curious veneer of civilization, a veneer which made him more barbarous than he was before. The murder of his three brothers was wretchedly cruel and impolitic. It angered and alarmed not only the followers of the murders men but the people generally. Of his other slayings, little is know. The Jamadar thinks he only killed four or five men altogether, but the Chitral's declare he slew ............... ................ .............. ...................................... ............

a free hand in Turikho. No Chitrali doubts that Afzul was a most sincere adherent of the Government of India, but such friendship and admiration as his could have been dispensed with altogether, most advantageously. The people disgusted at Afzul's innovations, shocked at his impious behaviour his belief that there was no one like unto himself, that he was a kind of divine personage above and beyond ordinary mortal, and aghast at his cruelties, came to regard him as a " Dajal." Sher Afzul in their imaginations played the part of the Imam-i-Mahdi, and righteously killed and delivered the country from the hated infidel monster.
No. 571, dated Gilgit, the 18^th February 1893.

From - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.R. British Agent at Gilgit,

To - The Resident in Kashmir.

I have the honour to forward extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary from 28^th to 30^th January 1893 inclusive. Affairs continue in much the same position as described in the last extracts forwarded.

2. In weighing the value of the accusations against Jamadar Rab Nawaz Khan of conniving at or indeed of suggesting the falsification of letters from Gilgit, it must ho remembered that the Hospital Assistant, Sheikh Ghulam Mohi-ud-din, has always been inimical to the Jamadar, but the latter evidently over­stepped the limits which should have confined his action as the servant of Government, to pose as a strong partisan of Afzul-ul-Mulk's.

3. The information as to Umra Khan's action, though not much value can be attached to it perhaps, is forwarded as it may be useful in checking that obtained by Government from other sources.

________________

Extracts from Chitral Missions Diary, dated Camp Chitral, the 28^th January 1893.

Mehtar Jan Aziz Beg, formerly Mehtar's Vakil at Gilgit, told Abdul Hakim privately news similar to that recorded in the last paragraph of yesterday's diary. He accused the Jamadar of circulating forged letters purporting to be from the British Agent, Gilgit. He talked of 'the extreme liking of the" people for Sher Afzul, and their desire that Nizam should make peace with him, and both live together. He declared that Sher Afzul meant no harm to Nizam, nor any evil to the Government of India, and that if Sher Afzul could not remain as Mehtar, he was willing to be merely a subject. He asked Nizam not to bring in an English force, in which case he (Sher Afzul) would not introduce an Afghan army. The Chitral people also sent a message to Nizam that if he brought it an English force they would certainly flight him. Aziz Beg and his father Muhammad Ali Beg carried Sher Afzul's message to Nizam. The latter swore friendship with Sher Afzul, and promised not to expel him from the country if he would make friends with Government. Nizam's reply did not reach Sher Afzul, or the latter did not believe it, or he was too much frightened by Jumma Khan's mendacities, about Sher Afzul's son having been killed, arid about a force from Drasan being on its way to seize Sher Afzul. He fled late at night.

Aziz Bee has a grievance against Nizam, about some lands. He praised Sher Afzul and thought Nizam incapable. He further says Nizam has not a penny left everything has been taken away by Sher Afzul or looted by the Lulko people, the majority of the Chitral people, especially the headmen do not like the Mission staying here, but all the same, a British officer must stay at Chitral, or Sher Afzul must be detained at Kabul or Herat.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-din told Abdul Hakim the Jamadar was too much partisan of Afzul-ul-Mulk and forged letters and ............. ...................... ............................ ............. . ............. . ............. . ............. ................ ...............

the short success he obtained was the result of his liberality. He gave away more than a lakh of rupees, a roomful of Kimkhab and two roomsful of other clothes. Even little children got two or three rupees each from him. When crowned Mehtar, several bags of rupees were first touched against Afzul's head and shoulders and then given away to the people. Numberless guns were fired, and Afzul himself kept firing at a mark set up on the other side of the river. For sometime the people refused to accept Afzul who went about refused to accept Afzul who went about with a Koran begging them to make him their king. At length his prodigality and. the murders of Shahi Mulk and his brothers won him the Mehtarship, but his torturing people to make them show where treasure was hidden and his innovations suggested by the Jamadar which he adopted, made them so angry that they quietly bought in Sher Afzul and had Afzul murdered. Sher Afzul on his occupation of Chitral shewed intense dislike of the English, privately and also by his actions. He tried to got Ghulam Mohi-ud-din and the Jamadar murdered at night, and as if it was done without his knowledge or consent. He is a very able man and talks well, but he could not hold the country because Mam was supposed to be supported by an English army. This frightened Slier Afzul very much. To hide this feeling and to conceal the trembling of his bands, he kept a handkerchief wrapped like a ball between his finders. To get all the property and money secretly away, he started for Shoot on the pretence of attacking Nizam, and as soon as his loot was safe on its way to Badakhshan be returned to Chitral, and fled towards Asmar. When he first reached Chitral be sent back a great deal of money to Badakhshan for the purchase of two thousand ponies.

Raja Khushwakt says all the people except Wafadar, Bahadar Shah, Inayat Khan, and Bahadar Khan talk badly of Nizam and intend to murder him shortly.

Rab Nawaz Khan says Nizam intends to marry Afzul's Shignan widow shortly. When Afzul murdered his foster brother on this woman's account he had no proof of her misconduct. Be simply noticed that his wife looked often at the youth and watched his every movement.

The Mehtar with the same few followers and the Wazir Inayat Khan had a long interview with Mr. Robertson today an interview, which lasted nearly three hours. Mr. Robertson acknowledged having seen and copied the ancient "Sanads" about Narsat sent over for him to inspect. The conversation principally turned on the resources of Chitral, etc., land mild surprise was expressed that no Governor had yet been appointed. The Mehtar looked still worn and anxious, but in much better spirit than before. Nothing of importance was referred to, Mr. Robertson being principally occupied in re-inference, encouraging him to play the part of King of the country.

The Jamadar says Nizam intends to resume his timber trader with the Kaka Kheyl merchants. A large quantity of wood is cut and is already on the riverbank. The Kaka Kheyls have already paid Rs. 50,000 as in about two months. The Jamadar thinks the people will be terribly dissatisfied when they, hear of the Mehtar's decisions and will probably refuse to obey his orders altogether.

__________________

The Jamadar tells me the following items of news, which however he several boxes of ammunition.

The Kamdesh Kafirs say that if Mr. Robertson wants to go to their country he should give them 100 rifles. They say they do not like the English custom of given one man's considerable present and ....................... .................... ................ ................... .....................

More serious news is that two of the Kamdesh Kafirs accompanied Sher Afzul in his flight. This seems to indicate that that astute prince has made friends with the Kafirs on the ground, no doubt, of their common enmity for Umra Khan.

The Jamadar says that yesterday before his visit to Mr. Robertson the Mehtar held a large Darbar at the fort at which it was unanimously decided that the Mission rough to stay in Chitral as long as there was any fear of Sher Afzul. Afterwards its going away-depended on Mr. Robertson, but it would be better if it then went back to Gilgit.

The Mehtar entertained the officers of the Mission at the fort. The usual ceremonies were observed. Inayat Khan and Rab Nawaz Khan were sent to escort the Mehtar's guests who rode down preceded by a guard of the Sikhs. Nizam-ul-Mulk looked well, and 'his manners are extremely good, but his is hard put to it to keep up a conversation.

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Extracts from Chitral Mission Diary, dated Camp Chitral, the 30^th January 1893.

Khushwakt Khan heard last night that Muhammad Said Sahibzada, who was accompanied by Ghulam Dastgir as far as Drans, has been captured near San by Umra Khan's men.

Rumour now has it, that Umra Khan has not been defeated at all, and that although he and the Khan of Nawagai are arrayed the one against the other there has as yet been no fight.

A Narsat man sent by Nizam-ul-Mulk to get news from Asmar has just been sent over for Mr. Robertson to see. His information is

1. 
   The Amir has not yet come to Jelalabad, but is expected there shortly.
   
2. 
   The Amir is making preparations to attack the Pech Durrah Kafirs, who after previous submission have lately rebelled; a thousand Afghan soldiers are collected for this work near Chigan Serai, and three thousand men are bringing supplies.
   
3. 
   At there are 400 Khasadars under a Laghmani officer at Bailan; 150 donkeys have been collected for transporting supplies.
   
4. 
   Umra Khan has 40 men in a fortified post at San and a hundred in the fort at Narsat. On the road people were saying the Narsat force had just been reinforced with men and ammunition.
   
5. 
   The Sipah Salar at Asmar had received a letter from Safdar Khan of Nawagai, of which the following is said to be the gist. Umra Khan's troops and those of the Nawagai Khan had confronted one another for several days at a place called Jar in Nawagai territory. There is a position near Jar which Umra Khan desired to seize. It was held by Safdar Khan's men, 70 in number entrenched in Sangars. Umra Khan sent a jirga to his enemy saying Hotu Khans were Musalmans and neither desired the territories of the other. If Nawagai sought help from the Afghans, Umra Khan will get help from the Government of India, but why should they not be at peace. This jigra was to put Safdar Khan off hiss guard, and the following morning before day break Umra Khan sent a detachment of his Rohillas (regular soldiers mostly trained in the Indian army) to seize the "Sangars," while another force of 300 men mostly armed with talwars and spears were to act as their support. But one of the Jirgadars had revealed Jandols treacherous plans, and during the night Sardar Khan reinforced his Sangars with 600 men. Umra Khan's Rohillas were driven back with the loss of 15 men and its supporting force surrounded. After much controversy and ............ ................................... ............................ .................... ........ .................... ........ .................... ........ .................... ........ The two Khans are now as they were at first watching one another ..................
   
6. 
   No Kafirs are any where about in Narsat ........................... .................... Valley.
   
7. 
   Concerning Sher Afzul the special information is that on the ................. reaching Bailan, he wrote to the Amir for help to go back to Chitral and retake the country. Abdur Rahman answered that Sher Afzul was an incapable man. He had the country in Ms hands, all the arms, etc. Why had he not fought, why had he not conciliated the people with money, and soon? He knew the Amir would not openly help him, or he would have done so at first. Why had he not even brought away in his flight the Amir's son's betrothed, and other reproaches. Sher Afzul was not to remain at Bailan, but was to go at once to Kabul. He had disgraced the Amir in the eyes of the Government of India, and had done him great harm, etc. The Amir also sent for Sarbuland Khan to Kabul. This man is a grandson of Shah Katur, and his father's sister is Sher Afzul's mother. He used to live at Ain in poverty and disgrace during Aman-ul-Mulk's reign, but is now Sher Afzul's chief supporter.
   

The man referred to as Muhammad Said Sahibzada belongs to Mian Kili in Bajaur whence he was driven out by Umra Khan. He is a son-in-law of the late Mehtar Aman-ul-Mulk. He receives Rs. 2,000 a year from the Amir who also supplies him with a news writer. His business now is to go about the country persuading people to become subjects of the Amir of Kabul. There are one or two other wandering notables similarly employed by the Amir. He was recently in Chitral and was made the hearer of pacific messages from Sher Afzul to Nizam-ul-Mulk.

The Mehtar has just sent over Wafadar Khan to ask Mr. Robertson when lie writes to Umra Khan to ask that the Sahibzada be not put to death. The Sahibzada's wife and family have been allowed to go to Asmar, also the Amir's news-writer. The fugitives had a bad time in trying to escape. They had to cross the river by a kind of flying bridge to which they were attached and dragged through the water.

In the afternoon a deputation from the Mehtar consisting of Mehtar Jans Bahadar Khan and Bahadar Shah and Abdullah Khan and Inayat Khan came to see Mr. Robertson to discuss the situation. Inayat Khan was for the most part the spokesman. Three propositions were advanced 1st, that it was abso­lutely necessary that Sher Afzul be kept from approaching the borders of Chitral, 2nd, that Muhammad Wall Khan must be removed from Warshgum; 3rd, that the allowances paid to the late Mehtar Aman-ul-Mulk by Kashmir and the Government of India should be continued to Nizam-ul-Mulk. On these dif­ferent points Mr. Robertson answered to the following effect. He admitted the desirability of Slier Afzul being prevented from again making any attempt on Chitral, and promised to communicate the Mehtar's views and his own concurrence in them to the Government of India, adding that of course he was not in a position to write direct on the subject to Kabul, for the matter would have to he made the subject of diplomatic communications between the Government of India and His Highness the Amir of Kabul.

Concerning Muhammad Wali Khan he reminded the deputation of what he had already said on the same subject and reiterated that the appointing of Governors was the ...........ogative of the Mehtar. He digressed here intentionally asking if "Kakims" had yet been appointed to other districts in Chitral, and again expressed mild surprise that nothing had yet been done in the matter. Eventually it was agreed that Mr. Robertson should write a letter to Muhammad Wali Khan in fulfillment of his promise to that young prince and in saying that the Mehtar had declared himself sole ruler of all the country from Bailan to Roshan and would never allow Muhammad Wali to reign in Yasin and suggesting that the latter should come to Chitral to "salam" to Nizam-ul-Mulk, Mr. Robertson would guarantee to Muhammad Wali that no harm of any kind should happen to him.

There is an extraordinary virulence against Muhammad Wali not only on the part of the Mehtar but of all his advisers. ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ............................... ...............................

Concerning the third point raised, Mr. Robertson looking to the express loyalty of Nizam-ul-Mulk arid the sincerity of his friendship for the Government of India, saw no difficulty of any kind. He could not give a formal definite reply until he had received formal instructions from the Government of India, but from himself he might say that he felt sure there would be no trouble of any kind on that point. There would probably be some kind of regular agreement entered into the details of which need not now be discussed, and there was no doubt the subsidy paid to Aman-ul-Mulk would be continued to his son.

The deputation expressed their delight at hearing this. They all knew

Nizam-ul-Mulk has been examining the official correspondence in the fort. He is said to be greatly chagrined at finding a letter of congratulations sent by the Government of India to Afzul-ul-Mulk, very soon after the latter prince seized the Mehtarship.

From — Lieutenant-Colonel D. W. K. Barr, Officiating Resident in Kashmir,

In continuation of my demi-official letter No. 892 dated the 7th March 1893, I enclose herewith copies of two demi-official letters No. 570-R and