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

No. 570-R., dated the 17th February 1893 (demi-official).

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

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

I forward herewith extract from a demi-official of Robertson's, the portion omitted being purely personal.

The news that the Mehtar is improving his position is satisfactory, and if we have the Amir in hand even the Opening of the passes will not be much to be feared.

That he thinks and that his adviser thinks with him that he is gaining Strength is evident also from the reported conclusion come to in Darbar at Chitral that the Mission need not remain. Two causes probably lead to this decision being arrived at by the leading men. The first, that Nizam's followers think they can walk alone, and that they, have got what they wanted, support from the coming of the Mission. The second, a desire on the part of some of the Adamzadas to get the Mission, which they hate, away with the object of at once murdering Nizam.

Robertson has not written to me about Muhammad Wali and I have heard nothing from the latter. It is a difficult game to play, very, but the only chance of playing it successfully is to sit tight for some time to keep the Mission or an officer in Chitral and to hang on to Gupis.

Robertson wants as you know perhaps you don't by the way? to go home in the spring and he was speedy up here last year and has had such a trying time during the last two years in Kafiristan that he must go I expect. So this consideration has also to be faced when the question of semi permanent or permanent arrangements in Chitral are taken up. Younghusband ought, to do now that he has had the advantage of working with him in Chitral for some time, if Government decide to keep an officer there if they do not, of course it means losing for good and all our hold on the country.

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The Mehtar is improving his position and is making some sort of effort to collect the Sniders and ammunition scattered about the country in the hands of Sher Afzul's followers, but so far he has got very few.

He only exist on sufferance. This he clearly knows. Without the Mission in a week or so he would either be a fugitive or a dead man.

It has been difficult to get him to make the slightest assertion of his authority in any way, although. I always speak to him merely as a friendly adviser and continually remind him that he is Mehtar that such and such a.......................................................................................................................... This is a good business if true. He is looked upon even by his firm adherents as an imbecile. If he will assert himself, and execute justice instead of foolishly interring himself in his own pleasures, or carrying out the usual petty tyrannism of a Mehtar of Chitral there may be some hope for him possibly.

I should say his own idea is to be merely a pageant King supported by a British force, and having all the responsibility for his acts assumed by a British officer.

I keep sending you extracts from the official diary, partly because this will interest you, but chiefly that you may hear from us regularly. There is very little to write demi-officials about. Everything of interest you will learn from the diary extracts.

All day long from the time I get up to dinner time I am busy, seeing people, or writing, never having time to go outside the house.

Our supplies are coming in well. We have sufficient grain for 3 months already in hand. Our other arrangements are also progressing. Unosten­tatiously we have devised schemes for defense, and every man knows his post and his duty. We have the ranges all round, etc., etc. I hope there will never be any necessity for us to congratulate ourselves on our forethought, but it does not do to give away any chances in a country disturbed as this is.

Everyone looks in an unsettled 'manner to the time the passes will be re-opened in the spring, and all manners of prophetic forecasts are indulged in.

We are very popular amongst all except the Adamzada class. They

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No. X, dated the 19th-21st February 1893 (demi-official).

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

To - Lieutenant-Colonel D. W. K. Bark, Officiating Resident in Kashmir.

I forward a demi-official received to-day from Robertson, which is more satisfactory in tone than his preceding letters.

The tide seems turning, and in a great measure we must attribute this to Robertson's exceedingly skilful management of that difficult person Nizam-ul-Mulk and of his subjects. If he had taken any other line it would have rained our chances of making Nizam-ul-Mulk really King.

I think it is a good business his sending the Jamadar down to Gilgit. I shall be glad to see him and to hear from him in person all about the recent events in Chitral, and what is more important he will probably be able to influence Muhammad Wali through his friends the Eshan-i-Hazrat, who is Muhammad Wali's spiritual and temporal adviser.

It is very important that the boy should do as Robertson, wishes and go to Chitral. Should he bolt to Yaghistan we shall have trouble and endless intrigues, and the took it into his head to go to the Russians, things would be infinitely worse. It is a ticklish business, but I trust to our ascendancy now to pull us through.

Robertson's task is a difficult one indeed in his relations with Umra Khan Nizam-ul-Mulk is the son of, Rahmatulla khan of Dir's sister, and married a sister of Muhammad Sharif Khan's of Dir, so that he is most intimately connected with Umra khan's enemies. He has always been under his mother and wife's influence in favour of Muhammad Sharif and at enmity of course with Umra Khan, and was always instigating the old Mehtar to help the former on Narsat and let Nizam get his own again, but I hardly think this is likely. The Napoleon of Bajour is fertile of resource and I take it never so danger ................................................

to see him out of Narsat entirely. For if he consolidates his power and the Amir is Really warned off, it is quite on the cards that he might some day walk into Killa Darosh. If it ever' comes to a fight, I have little doubt but that he would knock sparks out of the Chitralis, and it inconvenient for us to have him capturing Chitral.

I hope we have sufficient hold over him to prevent this even were be now perfectly successful, hut it is one of the things that it does not do to overlook in this frontier of surprises.

By the way I forget whether I ever told you that the only man who ever mentioned Sher Afzul to me was Nizam-ul-Mulk when he was here he rather prophesied the trouble some time before it came of course it is possible that he had some idea that mischief was brewing as one of his wives is Sher Afzul's daughter.

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No. 13, dated the 6th February 1893- (demi-official)

From - G. S. Robertson, Esq; C.S.I

To - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B.

Your demi-official No. 310 and the attached telegram about Sher Afzul. and his followers being in close arrest at Kabul is very good news indeed. I shall be able at the present moment to use it very effectively indeed.

I made a great ceremony of offering Nizam the congratulations of Government. He had is answer ready and the audience was much impressed. Three of the most influential and devoted followers of Sher Afzul were present at the time and felt themselves impelled to stand up and make grateful speeches to me for the kindness I had shown to their Mehtar when he was a refugee at Gilgit and the help I bad given him since In reply I smiled on the Mehtar and congratulated him on the possession of such loyal subjects and then answered the speakers smugly.

To-day a lot of Yasin men came to make speeches to me. They were introduced by Bahadur Shah and were as eloquent and hyperbolical as they were wonderful to look ac Loyalty is certainly at premium just now.

We appear to begetting on. The rifles are coming in slowly, but I am only to delighted to think they are coming in at all.

The Mehtar is plucking up courage and appointing Government and beginning to try his hand at administration.

After a time when he is well assured about Sher Afzul, he will begin to get jealous and suspicious of us, lest we interfere to prevent some of those abominable Chitral injustices he is certain to begin-as-soon as he feels himself securely in his seat.

I am sending Rab Nawaz Khan to you, partly because I think it would be well if he were out of the way for a week or two and partly because he may be useful in managing Muhammad Wali on his way down.

It is quite clear to me that Muhammad Wali must, for the present at least, be content with a lowly seat. Nizam has so committed himself about the boy that he could not permit his remaining as Governor of ......... without tacitly declaring to everybody that he was entirely under my thumb, a mere pageant.

At the same time I do not want Muhammad Wali to go off to Yaghistan and be ...........................

The Jamadar is not in disgrace. He no doubt was too zealous a
of Afzul-ul-Mulk and very likely played his hand recklessly and perhaps unscrupulously as well, but we must not expect a man in his position to have all the virtues of an ideal diplomatist.

He knows the country thoroughly, is smart and clever if not very pro­found, and will be able to explain everything to you in an interesting and instructive way. When you have heard from him all you want to know, you might send him back accompanied I hope by Muhammad Wali Khan.

The Jamadar's temporary absence will enable me to send Abdul Hakim to the Mehtar's Darbar with official messages, if I have anything to say openly in that manner.

I imagine Nizam-ul-Mulk secretly dislikes Rab Nawaz Khan, who has consequently little-real-influence with him. One or two replies from Nizam, through Jamadar were rather perplexing. The latter probably in-the-attempt to regain his former position in Chitral and to commend himself to the Mehtar makes mountains out of molehills, and discusses the simplest matter from every possible and impossible point of view, and displays so much uncommon ability, that Nizam suspects there must hp something very subtle indeed in a question which requires such voluminous explanations.

Umra Khan really has had a slight reverse at Nawagai's hands, and is very sulky about it and things in general.

Many overtures are made to me on behalf of Muhammad .Sharif Khan by Nizam and others. The Paindah Kheyls and the Sultan Kheyls are now going for him strongly, according to all accounts, and Muhammad Sharif Khan has occupied four or five forts in their country. As these two Kheyls number, it is said, some 13,000 fighting men it is perhaps as well for Umra Khan that they have no arms worth speaking of.

Safdar Khan of Nawagai has written to Muhammad Sharif Khan to keep pegging away, for now is his time Safdar Khan will keep Umra Khan engaged on that frontier, and give him no opportunity of going east, etc., etc.

I have started correspondence with Umra Khan about frontier matters, but it will be some time before an answer can be received to my letter. Nizam got a very civil letter two days ago from Muhammad Shah Khan (Miskin Khan) explaining, the anxiety of the writer that there should be friendship between Umra Khan and the Mehtar, also announcing that the Chitral road was now open once more and traders on their way here. This politeness and the reopening of the Dir road may not be unconnected with the recent Mission of Abdul Majid Khan (Umra Khan's cousin) to Peshawar.

I have just this moment heard that a Laspuri deputation headed by Muhamma Rabi, eager for his promised khilat, wants to see me this is most cheering. For there was some doubt a out the laspuri coming in to salam to Nizam, even after their swearing allegiance to him at Mastuj.

If this sort of thing continues and Nizam will only keep straight, the game ought to run strongly in our favour now. We are extremely popular still.

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. 1151, dated the ^4th Marchl.1893, have the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India letter No. 821, dated the 8th March 1S93, with its enclosure, if original, received from the British Agent, Gilgit, forwarding extracts from the Chitral Mission diaries from 1^st to 7^th February 1893.

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No. 821, dated Gilgit, the 8^th March 1893

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

To - The Resident in Kashmir.

I have the honour to forward copies of extracts from the Chitral Mission diary from 1st to 7th February 1893.

2. The first entries are unsatisfactory in tone; but, as you are aware, the information contained in Mr. Robertson's communications bearing date a fort­night later are much more encouraging.

Aziz Beg says that yesterday news had been brought that the Afghan Sipnli Kalar had sent an ultimatum to Umra Khan requiring the latter to let the Sahibzada go at once with all his property, &c.; otherwise an Afghan force would at once attack Bajour.

Umra Khan is said to have sent in all his property to Asmar but to be still detaining the Sahibzada.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-din tells me that yesterday, talking to several men in the course of a long conversation, the reason for the assassination of Afzul was discussed. It was agreed that the real reason was because Afzul gave, nothing to the Lutko and Afan men. He wished to do so, but Ghulam derided the idea of giving money to people he termed Kalash." Naval and Minawar went away muttering they would soon shew if they were Kalash or not. They sent at once for Sher Afzul and brought him in.

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Aziz Beg reports that many people have come-in to pay their respects to the Melitar who neither gave them presents nor allowed them to go away. He has as yet appointed no Hakims any here. He has no power of influencing people by his words, but his abstention from killing people is generally approved. He ought to send out people to reassure the Lutko is and others. Only one hundred Chitralis followed Sher Afzal because, he went away at night. If he had gone in the day time many more would have followed him. People declare they intend in the spring to run away to Badakshan or Bajour. None of Sher Afzul's men are now at Bailan. If Sher Afzul is kept away the country may quiet down. Had the answer to his letter to British Agent reached him in time he would have sent his son or some "Muthar of rank to Gilgit. Sher Afzul out to consideration for his daughter, Nizam's wife did not her husband and so was ruined. The intelligence that Nizam intends to marry Afzul's Shigni who has made Nizam's wives excessively .......................... ..................... ...........................................

A cousin of Khushwakt's relates that, while present at morning prayers at the mosque where there were sixty other people, the people, talking, amongst themselves, said it would be a glorious thing if the Government of India were to rule Chitral in real earnest. One man argued that if it were done all their wives would become rebellious and perhaps leave their husbands. The rest assented, but declared that would not be so bad as the present state of things when their wives and houses were freely given away to any one at the Mehtar's pleasure. The reference to their wives running away is curious. It means that, although the men object to oppression and tyranny themselves they look with concern on the time when they might be restrained from doing as they choose to their own slaves, their wives.

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In a long conversation with Inayat Khan he expressed himself very freely to Mr. Robertson. Ho said that if the Mission were to go back to Gilgit, he and all his family must go also. The Mehtar could not rule, and Sher Afzul or one of his family would be at once brought in. He takes a very hopeless view of the future, and believes that the only solution of the difficulties of the country lies in the Government of India maintaining a force in it.

The two Badakshan princes who were at Gilgit last year on a visit to the British Agent came to see Mr. Robertson, and gave a vivid description of the scene when Murid was murdered. They were Murid's guests at the time. The advanced, party who did the killing was led by Sher Afzul's son, whose name no one seems to have discovered. Sher Afzul arrived afterwards with five sowars. All his followers were Chitralis, but, as they all spoke in Persian, the princes believed an Afghan army had invaded the country, and with their twenty followers f Ivy kept quiet.

The following morning Sher Afzul had them brought to him and declared, they would be safe if they did not try on any devilments. They went with him to Shogot, where they were left under a guard, while he went on in. the evening, captured Chitral, and killed Afzul. The princes believed Sher Afzul intended to send them as prisoners to the Amir. They told Mr. Robert-son they are in great poverty without food and money, and have 300 families dependent upon them in Chitral. They are willing to do any service military or otherwise. They wish with their people to get employment and shew their loyalty.

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Extracts form Chitral Mission diary, dated Chitral the 3^rd February 1893

There is little or no assurance of the good faith of Nizam. He at present is acting more or less honestly because he is absolutely without a following and until the mission arrived was always in fear of his life but he is at heart thoroughly deceitful, and there are still rumours that he is trying or will shortly try to come to some arrangement with Sher Afzul, so that both may live in the country together. If this is ever done Nizam will of course be in an utterly subordinate position and no one while to obey his orders. In spite of all the favour and help he has received from the Government of India, it is Mr. Robertson's firm belief he would turn round against it to-morrow and side with Afgahans, Russians, or whoever premised him safety and efficient support. He is as feeble as he is plausible he has not the slightest feeling of patriotism, but thinks only of him self and his own security.

The conduct of Jamadar Rab Nawaz Khan is ................................. received with discourtesy which is hard to believe. The suspicion grows that the Jemadar is for some private reason desirous that the Relations between the Mehtar and the Chief of the Mission should not be intimately friendly and that he himself should be indispensable to both. He daily appears to try to excite Mr. Robertson's anger against the Mehtar. He is also said on mere rumour and on the word of his secret enemy Ghulam Mohi-ud din, to have warned the Mehtar that if people are allowed to go freely to see the Chief of the Mission, that they will be certain to make complaints against injustices they have received and will ask for redress at Mr. Robert son's hands. The Jemadar's object in keeping people away from the Mission is said by his enemies to be a fear lest complaints should be made against his own conduce during Afzul-ul-Mulk's short reign. During this period it seems certain that the Jemadar made no protest against the murders or other atrocities he must have witnessed, but gave Afzul-ul-Mulk his full-hearted support always.

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The Mehtar sent over letters he had just received from Miskini Khan (Muhammad Shah Khan), Governor of Dir, and from Sayad Ahmad Khan at Jundol. The first mentioned related how earnestly the writer desired to establish a true friendship between his brother Umra Khan and the Mehtar and referred to the great trouble lie had already taken to effect that happy consummation. He further announced the opening of the road to Chitral. The Mehtar, in sending over the letter about friendship no mention had been made of the surrender of Narsat.

Sayad Ahmad is the eldest son of Sayad Mahmud the ex-Badshah of Kunar now a pensioner at Hasan Abdul Sayad Ahmad's letter was full of friendship and good wishes. He also hoped for the formation of an alliance between the Mehtar and Umra Khan. Sayad Ahmad is a son-in-law of the late Aman-ul-Mulk. He is described as able as well as energetic. From all description in person he must be au immensely big man.

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Extracts from Chitral Mission diary, dated Chitral 4^th February 1893.

This afternoon the Mehtar came to an interview. He was received in the usual way by Mr. Robertson and Captain Young-husband. After the usual interchange of compliment Mr. Robertson ceremoniously acquainted him with the fact that the Government or India had sent him congratulations on his obtaining the Mehtar ship of Chitral. He was prepared beforehand for this intimation, and, in reply, expressed his deep acknowledgment and unswerving loyalty to the Government which had so highly honoured him. He iterated his profound attachment to the Government of India and his sincere desire to be given some opportunity of shewing his sincerity of heart and to prove the truth of his words. Mr. Robertson promised to write and report the Mehtar's words. The occasion was made as impressive as possible. Minawar of Latkho one of Sher Afzul's most important and active followers, Nayab of Latkho a most influential supporter of the same prince, and Mazhari Hayat of Mastuj, one of the slayers of Mirwali, each stood up and made speeches full of loyalty to Nizam-ul-Mulk, and thanking Mr. Robertson for his kindness to their master. The Durbar was of an enthusiastic nature. The Mehtar has been very much congratulated by every one on receiving so gracious a message from the Government of India a message which is held to recognise his position as the Mehtar of the whole of Chitral.

At the Durbar there present besides the above mentioned, Mehtar Jan Bahadur Khan, Nizbrab Shah and another, Shahzada Lais, the rascally ............. of Latkho, Wazir Inayat Khan. Abdulla Khan Hakim of ............ others. Mohamed All Beg may be said to have been ...............................................

Mr. Robertson expressed his pleasure at of the Dir-Lowari road also at the friendly tone of the letter from Mohamed Shah Khan (Miskini Khan) which arrived yesterday, and after the fervid and hyperbolical speeches made by Mazhar-i-Hayat, Minawar, and Nayab, congratulated the Mehtar on having such thoroughly loyal subjects. The Mehtar himself seems very pleased and happy, and went away for evening prayers after a very long interview.

Ghulam Mohi-ud-din and Rab Nawaz Khan, who have few points on which they agree, both alike declare that not the least reliance can be placed on the declarations of Minawar, Nayab, or Shahzada Lais. That at present, because the passes are closed and the Mission is at Chitral, they are verbally submissive because they are afraid.