From the secretary to the government op india, foreign department to the resident in kashmir
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The news that Mahomed Sharif Khan, in conjunction with Panjun, has occupied five or sir forts in the Sultan and Painda Klieyls countries, and is actually preparing for another struggle with Umra Khan, is corroborated by latest am latest, arrivals from Dir. We shall know more in a few days, and also if it is really true that Umra Khan has had another repulse at the hands of Safdar Khan of Nawagai. I am very bilious and stupid, but hope that the fog in my brain has not diffused itself through the letter. _____________
No. 770, dated Gilgit, the 4th- 6th March, 1893. From - Lieutenant-Colonel, A.G. Durand, C.G. To - Colonel D.W.K. Barr. I send herewith copy of a letter from Robertson, dated 19th February. The balance seems rising again, and I gather from this letter being sent through by a special messenger that Robertson was anxious to get it here quick, and to modify the unfavourable reports that his last letters contained. The Mehtar seems really 'to be buckling to his work, and if things and if things are not hurried, and certainly he is the last man to err in that way, and if the Mission is left long enough in Chitral, I trust things will go right. I don't attach much importance to Ghulam Mohi-ud-din's forebodings. One of the most important factors in dealing with the people of the Hindu Kush is their complete difference from their Pathan neighbours. They are no fanatics, and have none of the dash and lore of fighting which, mark the Pathans. But I am sure the Badakshi princes, refugees escaped from the clutches of our " friend and ally," are sound in their views. To withdraw the Mission means to let slip the dogs of war, to have the Mehtar murdered, and Chitral in Afghan hands. I have not had time, of course, to hear from Mahomed Wali, but by all accounts he seems bent on making an exhibition of himself. The man who brought Robertson's letter had, according to his own account, considerable difficulty in- getting down the valley from Ghizr, and in retaining in his own hand the letter entrusted to him. ____________________
No. 16, dated Chitral, the 19th February, 1893. From - G.S. Robertson, Eq., C.S.I., To - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B. On the whole, matters are going fairly satisfactorily. In the first place, Nizam is no longer suspicious of my trying to usurp his proper authority, and not only permits his headmen to come and see me privately but urges them, to do so. Then in his half stupid, purblind way he is really settling himself to the task of ruling the country. He is busy all day long in consultations and in Durbar, is trying hard to find out the wishes of the people, and," generally speaking, is doing his best. I urge him on the proper course without uttering a single word on the subject. Up till the present moment I have never made a single suggestion of any kind about the management of the country, and my most ingenious enemy in the most distrustful Adamzada cannot point to anything which may be construed into an attempt on my part to interfere "in the internal affairs of Chitral. Yet Nizam knows very well that I am aware of everything that is going on, and he also understands what I want done. He is now swaggering about the amount of work he gets through, and declares he is so fully occupied that not only can he not come to see me for days at a time, but has not even leisure enough for his prayers. I hope I am making some way with the Adamzadas. If speeches went for anything my success would be extraordinary indeed; but you know what Chitralis are. Yet there is a decided cessation of the threatening, rumours which previously reached our ears, and many of the most rehellious of the Adamzadas, who originally came to scowl and frown, now remain to smile and flatter. The Badakhshi princes from Lutkho have written to warn me not to be trustful; that if the Mission leaves Chitral, Nizam would be killed certainly and anybody, Sher Afzul's son or any one else, will be brought in and made Mehtar. Ghulam Mohi-ud-din takes very pessimistic views of the future also. He keep telling Abdul Hakim that a British officer should not remain in Chitral unless the country is securely held by British troops, &c., &c. Whether he is right or wrong, he is evidently sincere in his opinion and for him wonderfully pertinacious on the point. It is now believed that the report of Umra Khan's reverses and Mahomed Sharif Khan's successes have both been greatly exaggerated. A Mission has just arrived from Jandol, headed by an important man, a near relative of the Khan. Nizam, who is most ostentatiously loyal and loud-mouthed in proclaiming it, told the Vakil in Durbar to go over and see me. The man agreed, but subsequently sent a message to the Mehtar to say, as he had no orders to confer with me, he preferred not to do so. There he was very right. Nizam does not like Umra Khan, and the people are all very angry about Narsat having "been occupied. They say they want to attack the fort, but I have my suspicion's of their real desire to assault, those thick high walls defended by good men well armed. __________________ [Demi-Official ] No. 820-R, dated Gilgit, the 6th March 1893. From- - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B. To - Colonel D.W.K. Barr. Herewith copy of Robertson's last, dated 22nd February 1893. It has come very quickly, and is much more satisfactory in tone. The Mehtar expresses .the opinion I have always held that things will go right so long as there is a Mission in the country. It is a pity that Robertson has not an escort sufficiently large to permit of his going to Lutkho; but he could not manage carriage for any larger party than he took, though we both should have preferred his taking up a hundred' men. However, if he has got round the Maulai Pirs, Shahzada Lais, &c., I hope the Lutkho people will calm down. Umra Khan's kind suggestion that he should protect Nizam with 600 men is refreshing in its simplicity. The Chitrali rifles would doubtless be invaluable to him now. I have no answer yet from Mahomed Wali, but I think he will come, here after all; if not, there may be some trouble. We shall have, anyhow for some months to come, to keep a small force over the frontier, and I should, like to have Stewart up as soon as possible to put him in Yasin. _________________ [demi-official] No. 20, dated Chitral, the 22nd February 1893. From - G. S. Robertson, Esq., C.S.I., To - Lieutenant-Colonel A.G. Durand, C.B. Fate is treating us very kindly so far. We are keeping on most excellent terms with the Mehtar, we are maintaining our popularity with the mass of the people, and we are, I think, disarming the hostility of many of the Adamzadas, Mughli Pirs, &c. At the time we seemed to he serving heavily sic in Yasin; now it looks as if we were making good progress here also. The Mehtar sent me a message to day that even with Sher Afzul on the Badakhshan frontier, there would be no fear of a row while the Mission remains in Chitral; while if Sher Afzul were safely interned in India or in some distant place there would be no fear of troubles under any circumstances. However, Nizam opinion cannot be accepted as conclusive, although they are to a certain extent valuable, as they certainly embody the views of his chief advisers also. My chief anxiety at present is the attitude of the Lutkho people. They are thoroughly frightened lest they be subjected to severe reprisals for their past misdeeds. The Badakhshi prince sphere have again written to me. They say there is some talk of making another raid on Chitral— "Shal Khan—" suggestive phrase, as soon as the passes are open, and, if that is impossible, they say they will destroy their own country and cross into Badakhshan. If I had another fifty men so as to be able to leave my present escort here on the stores, &c., I should like to visit Lutkho and see what could be done in the way of reassuring these terrified fire eaters. However, we shall see a little later how affairs are tending in that district. Umra Khan's envoy has earnestly advised the M eh tar to send us money as soon as possible, and has offered to send 500 of his own men to maintain order in Chitral. " Shall I walk into your parlour, said the spider-to the fly." He is itching to get hold of the rifles. The Mehtar's ideas of foreign policy are thoroughly Oriental, but he accepts my 'advice' without a sign of dissent. Umra Khan's reply to my letter has not yet arrived, hut I have had a most polite letter from his brother, the Miskin Khan, Mohamad Shah Khan, his Governor at Dir. There are all manner of rumours of the successes of Mohamad Sharif Khan and Famjan, south of Dir; but hope always tells a flattering talc, particularly to Chitralis. The day before yesterday I had an immense reception of Adamzadas, Mughli Pirs, &c., to say good bye on returning to their homes. They were arrayed in their new "khillats" presented by the Mehtar, and left my treasury poorer by some Rs. 800. Also I hear they have gone away to their districts enthusiastic in our praises. Numbers of Kafirs have come to see me. They will be greatly reinforced as soon as the roads are open. The Mehtar deplores their inclination for the Afghan Commander-in-Chief, but we shall see all about that before very long. They go for the Afghans from their hatred for Umra Khan, They are like sheep inviting a wolf to step in and deliver them from the annoyance of a jackal. I think now that it' we were allowed to occupy Yasin amidst the acclamation of the people, a political officer here with a good guard, say 120 sepoys, would stop all possible bloodshed arid enable us to converse placidly about boundary matters with our friends the Russians. The presence of a force at Ghizr and the influence of a political officer not too haughty and tolerably indulgent to the inconsequential Chitralis would, I think, put us all right for a year or two, while afterwards everything should go right by itself. We go in for the strictest non-intervention policy in internal affairs, and I think the Adamzadas are getting a little more reassured about us, and more tolerant of our being here.
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. 653, dated the 18th February 1893, I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India, copy of a letter No. 701-R., dated the 28th February 1893, with its enclosures in original, from the British Agent at Gilgit, forwarding, in original, a letter, -with translation, received by him from Mehtar Nizam-ul-Mulk. ________________ No. 701-R., dated the 28th February 1893. From - Lieutenant-Colonel A. Durand, C. B., British Agent at Gilgit, To - The Resident in Kashmir. I have the honour to forward herewith the original and translation of a letter received from Mehtar Nizam-ul-Mulk. 2. I know nothing of Mr. Robertson having informed him that he has succeeded to his father's whole territory from Bantam to Roshan. As Bailam" is near the old boundary of Chitral towards Asmar, and below Narsat and the tract now occupied by Umra Khan, I imagine that no assurance of this kind has been given him. 3. The Governorship of Warshagum does not promise to be a question so easily settled as Nizam-ul-Mulk seems to think. Muhammad Wali has declined to come to Gilgit with Jemadar Rab Nawaz Khan, and entirely refuses to go to Chitral or to have any communication with Nizam-ul-Mulk. He has sent his mother, a daughter of Aman-ul-Mulk's, with a large following here to make representations to me on this point, accompanied by a deputation from" many villages in the district, which announces that the people will on no account have Nizam-ul-Mulk as their ruler. I shall submit a further communication on this point in a few days. 4. I have of course touched on neither of these points in answering Nizam-ul-Mulk, but have merely thanked him for his letter, and added that so long as Mr. Robertson is in the country he will learn everything from him. The Mehtar's action in the matter of Yasin is in direct opposition to the advice I offered him when he left here, but the Katur and Khushwakt hate each other so cordially that this is not to be wondered at. ________________ Translation of a letter, dated 9th February 1893, from Mehtar Nizam-ul-Mulk, to the British Agent at Gilgit. Alter compliments—Mr. Robertson with his party has arrived in Chitral safety. I have been very gladto see them and to have their company. I have felt so very much obliged to Government for learning the following that I cannot express it in words: 1stly, that Government has sent me congratulations for my succeeding my father's whole territory from Bailam to Roshan and Ishkoman and 3rdly, that my enemies have been imprisoned and punished in Kabul. It is becoming for me to prove myself worthy servant of the Government. I hope when any time for my rendering services comes, you will find me ready with my troops sacrificing my life for you. I have not succeeded to this country like my late father and brother. My success was solely due to Government. I cannot forget this kindness. The rest all well. Please let me know of your good health. I will appoint one of my brothers to the Government of Warshagum I will you know in my next who is being chosen. No. 15 S., dated the 18th April 1893. From - Lieutenant-Colonel D. TV. K. barr, Officiating Resident in Kashmir, To -The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department. In continuation of my letter No 1207, dated the 29th of March: 1893, I have the honour to forward, for the reformation of the Government of India a letter, in original No. 1113, dated 25th March 1893, with its enclosure, received from the British Agent at Gilgit, forwarding extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary for the period ending 12th February 1893. _________________
From - Lieutenant A. F. Napier, Assistant British Agent at Gilgit, To - The Resident in Kashmir. I have the honour to forward herewith copies of extracts from the Chitral Mission Diary ending 12th February 1893. The hearty reception accorded to Sher Afzal at Asmar on his return from Chitral tends to prove that he started with the full consent of the Amir. His disappointment in not being joined by Mukaddas Aman and Muhammad Wall was caused by the rapid move of our troops across the frontier. ______________
Raja Kushwakht Khan has just returned from a visit to his sister at Broz. On the road he met a man named Reza, a servant of Tahummal Shah, who accompanied Sher Afzal in his flight to Asmar. Reza gave the following information: Sher Afzal was accompanied in his flight by abont.200 persons including the women and children of Ms followers. As soon, as the news reached Palas Gor of Sher Afzal's approach, a certain Sayad who holds the rank of Captain at Palas Gor, where there are 500 regular Afghan troops, me out as far as the village of Chunduk with 50 men. The soldiers presented arms, and then conducted Sher Afzal to Palas Gor. There the whole garrison turned out to present arms. For twelve days Sher Afzal's party remained at Bargain, receiving rations from Palas Gor. At Bailan fifty sepoys in full dress uniform constituted a guard of honour. On the 12th day Sher Afzal proceeded to Asmar (the delay had been caused by a reference for the refugees to enter Afghan territory), and. was received by the Sipah Salar in person accompanied by 100 sowars. Sher Afzal presented a nazar of 80 gold coins, which was remitted by the Commander-in-Chief, who told Sher Afzal that had the latter remained only a few days more in Chitral, the Commander-in-Chief himself would have gone to his assistance. Guns were fired in Sher Afzal's honour. IN reply to questions as to why he bad left Chitral if the English had sent a force against him or not, etc., Sher Afzal told the Commander-in-Chief that no English had come against him. His nephew had advanced and the people rebelled against Sher Afzal, so he had to come away. As the cavalcade approached Asmar, two cavalry regiments came out to honour and escort Sher Afzal. Subsequently all the Chitrali refugees had to appear before an officer who took down their names. The Commander-in-Chief ................................. ................................ ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... ......................... prisoner, so he also could not reach me. I do not know what can have happened to him that, he did not join me as agreed upon. He must have been made a prisoner, or he could certainly have joined me. My nephew, the Sardar in Gilgit, had about 100 Chitralis with him. The English forces did not cross the Shandur, but there were zamindars of the Gilgit ilaka with my nephew who accompanied him to this side of the pass." All the fugitives were hospitably received; four sheep, rice, and other supplies daily for his personal use. After, staying five days at Asmar, Sher Afzal was summoned to Kabul. He took a way with him from Chitral a pony-load of rupees huge piece of melted gold, and some gold coins. The Commander-in-Chief has with him two cavalry regiments, two infantry regiments, and six guns are at Dangam; on the Bajaur frontier there are one and a half infantry regiments. There were 200 transport mules at Asmar, and 200 more were employed in carrying away grass from Palas Gor. There was also an elephant at Asmar. All the troops were in tents. Kushwakht is also responsible for the following which he heard from a man at Broz, who also went away with Sher Afzal. The Commander-in-Chief, in the course of conversation with Sher Afzal, said that His Highness the Amir had offered Umra Khan a subsidy of Rs. 10,000 a year, on condition of his going to pay his respects to the Amir or the Commander-in-Chief. The Amir praised Umra Khan's spirit and daring, expressing a desire to be friends with him. Umra Khan in reply told the Commander-in-Chief that he was already the
No. 16-S, dated 18th April 1893. From- Lieutenant-Colonel D.W.K. Barr, Officiating Resident in Kashmir, To - The Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department. I have the honour to forward, for the information of the Government of India, a letter, No. 1206, dated the 4th April 1893, from the British Agent, Gilgit, enclosing a report, dated the 18th March 1893, by Burgeon Major Robertson C.S.I., on Chitral affairs. _______________ No. 1256, dated Gilgit, the 4th April 1893. From - Lieutenant-Colonel A. G. Durand, C.B., British Agent, Gilgit, To - The Resident in Kashmir. I have the honour to forward herewith, in original, Mr. Robertson's report on the present condition of affairs in Chitral, containing his suggestions as to the course to he pursued in future. I would request that a printed copy of the report may be sent for reference in this office as I have kept no copy. 2. Paragraphs 1 to 12 contain a resume of recent events from the death of Aman-ul-Mulk to the flight of Sher Afzul 13 to 17, a clear account of the present condition of the country, an estimate of Nizam-ul-Mulk, his supporters and enemies; I8 to 26, the cause of the unpopularity of the ruling family; 27 to 36, an account of Afzul-ul-Mulk's and Sher Afzul's brief reigns; 37 to 50, an account of the arrival of the Mission and of the results obtained, paragraph 19 being specially interesting; from paragraph 51 begins the exposition of Mr. Robertson's views as to the future of Chitral under the varied conditions which may arise. 3 Prom paragraphs 51 to 56 the views of the Mehtar, of Jamadar Rab Nawaz Khan and of the people of Chitral are shewn; the popularity of the Mission the weakness of the Mehtar, and the choice of a possible successor are discussed. 4. Mr. Robertson shews in paragraphs 57, 53, 59 that the return of Sher Afzul as Mehtar would mean our complete exclusion from Chitral, the severance of the existing bonds of friendship between it and Kashmir, practically the establishment of an inimical State on our Punjab border. Chitral would become the centre of intrigue against us, a province of Kabul hostile to India; and, as I pointed out in my letter No. 5. In paragraphs 60 to 63 the effect of a Russian occupation of the country, which would be certain to follow trouble in Wakhan and Badakhshan, is pointed out and from 61 to 67 the Amir's attitude and the value of Chitral to him are discussed. 6. Paragraphs 68 to 70 shew what-.would be the result of our withdrawing from Chitral - anarchy in the country, widespread disorder involving the Shin States of the Indus Valley and Punjab, and an opening for, Russia to step in as the friend and supporter of the Mehtar. 7. Mr. Robertson then unfolds his proposals for the firm establishment of our authority in the country, which put briefly, are - the posting of a British officer in Chitral with a guard of 120 men and the occupation of Yasin (paragraphs 71-72); the consequent strengthening of the Gilgit garrison by a small number of troops (73 to 86); the posting of a British Political Officer in Yasin practically controlling the Governor as in Hunza and Nagar (87-88), the importance of this being shewn in paragraphs 91-92, with reference to the presence of Russian troops on the reverse slopes of the Hindu Kush, and in paragraph 94 as affecting the safety of our in Chitral; the raising of a local levy in Yasin (paragraph 89); the occupation of Ghizr, Gupis/and Yasin immediately (paragraph 99); the recognition of the de facto Mehtar, if he acknowledges the suzerainty of Kashmir, but no guarantee of succession to be given by us (110-111); the formal installation of the Mehtar of Chitral, no agreement for payment of subsidies being signed till this ceremony is over, consequently the installation of Nizam-ul-Mulk; a road and telegraph line following as a matter of course. 8. The bearing of the proximity of Umra Khan, the Baba Sahib of Dir, the Kafirs and the Shin States on the safety of our agency in Chitral and Yasin are gone into in paragraphs 100 to 107, and the policy of our agencies in Chitral and Yasin in paragraphs 10S-109. 9. I have given the above precis for convenience of reference, it remains for me to express my views on Mr. Robertson's proposals. 10. I fully concur in Mr. Robertson's suggestions; to withdraw from Chitral now is to hand the country over to anarchy, to open the door to Russia, to destroy the work of the past eight years And our prestige on the frontier at one blow, to throw away all the advantages gained hitherto, and, by voluntarily weakening our position, to prepare the way for endless trouble and, in the end, greatly increased expense. I believe we must have a Political Officer in Chitral and another in Yasin. Download 1 Mb. Share with your friends:
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,dated 14th November 1892, para, graph 10, the Mehtar could at any moment cause us the gravest inconvenience, by pouring the Indus Valley tribes across our border.