stion, should it appear to the Sirdar that his presence
at Kabul, previous to the withdrawal of our troops for the purpose
of personal conference with the British authorities, might have
the effect of weakening his popularity, or compromising his
position in the eyes of his future subjects.

The point is one which must be left entirely to the Sirdar's own
judgment and inclination.

But Abdur Rahman is doubtless aware that there are at present,
in and around Kabul, personages not destitute of influence, who
themselves aspire to the sovereignty he seeks, and that the family
of Yakub has still numerous personal adherents, who may possibly
take advantage of the withdrawal of our troops to oppose the
Sirdar's authority if he is not personally present to assert it.

It should on both sides he remembered and understood that it is
not the policy of this Government to impose upon the Afghan people
an unpopular Ruler or to interfere uninvited in the administration
of a friendly one. If Abdur Rahman proves able and disposed to
conciliate the confidence of his countrymen, without forfeiting
the good understanding which he seeks with us, he will assuredly
find his best support in our political appreciation of that fact.
Our reason for unconditionally transferring to him the government
of the country, from which our forces will in any case be
withdrawn a few months hence, is that, on the whole, he appears to
be the Chief best able to restore order in that country, and also
best entitled to undertake such a task. In his performance of it
he will receive, if he requires it, our assistance. But we neither
need nor wish to hamper, by preliminary stipulations or provisoes,
his independent exercise of a sovereignty which he declares
himself anxious to maintain on a footing of peace and friendship
with the British Government.

The present statement of the views and intentions of His
Excellency the Governor-General in Council respecting Abdur Rahman
will enable you to represent them with adequate accuracy in your
reply to the Sirdar's friendly overtures, and it will now be your
duty to convey to Abdur Rahman, without any avoidable delay,
the answer of the Government of India to the letter and message
received from him. His Excellency feels assured that you will give
full expression to the spi