The Governor-General in Council is, nevertheless, most anxious that the Sirdar should not misunderstand the light in which his personal sentiments and obligations towards Russia are regarded by the Government of India.  So long as the Rulers of Kabul were amenable to its advice, this Government has never ceased to impress on them the international duty of scrupulously respecting all the recognized rights and interests of their Russian neighbour, refraining from every act calculated to afford the Russian authorities in Central Asia any just cause of umbrage or complaint.  The intelligence and good sense which are conspicuous in the Sirdar’s letter and messages to you will enable him to appreciate the difference between conduct regulated on these principles and that which cost Sher Ali the loss of his throne.  This Government does not desire, nor has it ever desired, to impose on any Ruler of Kabul conditions incompatible with that behaviour which Russia, as a powerful and neighbouring Empire, is entitled to expect from him; least of all can we desire to impose such conditions on a Prince who has received hospitality and protection in Russian territory.  I am therefore to observe that, in the natural repugnance expressed by Abdur Rahman to conditions which ‘might make him appear ungrateful’ to those ’whose salt he has eaten,’ the Governor-General in Council recognizes a sentiment altogether honourable to the Sirdar, and perfectly consistent with the sincerity of his professed goodwill towards ourselves.

    These observations will furnish you with a sufficient answer to
    the question asked by Abdur Rahman as to the ’nature of our
    friendship’ and ‘its conditions.’

The frankness with which he has explained his position entitles him to receive from us a no less unreserved statement of our own.  The Government of India cordially shares the wish expressed by Abdur Rahman that, between the British and Russian Empires, his ‘tribes and countrymen may live quietly in ease and peace.’  We do not desire to place them in a position of unfriendliness towards a Power which is pledged to us to regard their country as ’entirely beyond the sphere of its action.’  The injury to Afghan commerce caused by the present condition of Afghanistan, to which the Sirdar has alluded, is fully appreciated by the Government of India, and on the restoration of peace between the two countries the revival and development of trade intercourse need present no difficulty.  As regards our own friendship, it will, if sincerely sought, be freely given, and fully continued so long as it is loyally reciprocated.  But we attach to it no other condition.  We have no concessions to ask or make, and the Sirdar will therefore perceive that there is really no matter for negotiation or bargain between him and us.

On this point your reply to Abdur Rahman cannot be too explicit.  Previous to the Sirdar’s