The MUSTAUFI then said:  We quite understand what has been said about the strength of the British army.  Doubtless it is sufficient, and all Afghanistan could not stand against it.  But the Amir asked us to mention, what I have hitherto forgotten, that there are in Turkestan 24 regiments of Infantry, 6 of Cavalry, and 56 guns.  These troops were the first to show a disaffected spirit at Mazar-i-Sharif; and putting aside external enemies, there are Abdur Rahman and the sons of Azim Khan waiting their chance.  Herat again is doubtful; when the troops there hear what has occurred at Kabul, there is no saying what they may do.  If Abdur Rahman ingratiates himself with these people, Herat and Turkestan will be permanently severed from the Afghan dominions.  This is another reason why the advance of the British force should be delayed, in order that the Amir may have time to gain over the Herat and Turkestan troops.

GENERAL ROBERTS replied:  All these reasons will have full consideration.  The Viceroy’s first order was to push on at once to help the Amir; but I am sure His Highness’s advice is friendly, and that in any case he will do his utmost to co-operate with the British Government.  Therefore every consideration will be given to what His Highness has desired you to say.

The MUSTAUFI:  The Viceroy may be sure the Amir will do what he pleases.

The WAZIR:  When the Amir learnt from General Roberts’s letter that the Viceroy had given General Roberts power to deal with the whole matter, he was very pleased, knowing General Roberts’s character as a soldier and his kindness of heart.

GENERAL ROBERTS replied that he would carefully consider the proposals brought forward, and give an answer later on.  Meanwhile, he must request the Agents to stay a day or two in camp until he should have thoroughly weighed the Amir’s advice, which was of the utmost importance to both the British and Afghan Governments.

The interview then came to an end.

  (Signed) H. M. DURAND,
  Political Secretary to General Roberts, K.C.B., V.C.,
  Commanding Kabul Field Force.

[Footnote 1:  The Agents here seemed surprised and anxious.—­H.M.D.]

* * * * *

APPENDIX VI.

(Referred to in Chapter LIII, Footnote 3.)

From LIEUTENANT-GENERAL SIR F. ROBERTS, K.C.B., V.C., Commanding Kabul Field Force, to A.C.  LYALL, ESQ., C.B., Secretary to the Government of India, Foreign Department.

    KABUL, 22nd November, 1879.