ing fully equipped in all respects. He proposes
sending me in command.

'I am sure that but few Bombay regiments are able to cope with
Afghans, and once the Kabul Field Force leaves this country, the
chance of sending a thoroughly reliable and well-equipped column
will be lost. The movement of the remainder of the Kabul troops
towards India should be simultaneous with the advance of my
division towards Kandahar, it being most desirable to limit the
area of our responsibilities as soon as possible; at the same
time, it is imperative that we should now show our strength
throughout Afghanistan. The withdrawal, under existing
circumstances, of the whole force from Kabul to India would
certainly be misunderstood, both in Afghanistan and elsewhere. You
need have no fears about my division. It can take care of itself,
and will reach Kandahar under the month. I will answer for the
loyalty and good feeling of the Native portion, and would propose
to inform them that, as soon as matters have been satisfactorily
settled at Kandahar, they will be sent straight back to India.
Show this to Lyall.'

Exaggerated reports of the Maiwand affair being rife in the Kabul
bazaars, which were daily becoming crowded with armed Afghans from
Abdur Rahman's camp, and the prospect of troops having to leave at
once for Kandahar, made it more than ever necessary to bring the
negotiations with the new Amir to a speedy conclusion. It was
accordingly arranged that Mr. Griffin should meet him at Zimma, about
sixteen miles from Kabul. This interview had the happiest results,
and must have been extremely gratifying to Mr. Griffin, whom we all
heartily congratulated on the successful ending to the very delicate
and difficult negotiations which he had carried on with so much skill
and patience.

In taking leave of His Highness, Mr. Griffin invited him to come
to the British camp the following day to be received by Sir Donald
Stewart. Abdur Rahman himself was quite willing to come, and some of
his supporters were in favour of his doing so, but others vehemently
opposed the idea, and 'swore by their faith they would leave him if he
persisted.' After a stormy meeting with his Chiefs, the Amir wrote
to Mr. Griffin as follows: 'If you really wish me to come to you,
irrespective of the opinion of the people, I am quite ready to do
so. Please write and let me know your wishes. I am in the h