d an answer to my telegram regarding the abdication of
Yakub Khan, in which I was informed that His Highness's resignation
was accepted by Her Majesty's Government, and I was directed to
announce the fact to the people of Afghanistan in the following terms:

'I, General Roberts, on behalf of the British Government, hereby
proclaim that the Amir, having by his own free will abdicated,
has left Afghanistan without a Government. In consequence of the
shameful outrage upon its Envoy and suite, the British Government
has been compelled to occupy by force of arms Kabul, the capital,
and to take military possession of other parts of Afghanistan.

'The British Government now commands that all Afghan authorities,
Chiefs, and Sirdars do continue their functions in maintaining
order, referring to me whenever necessary.

'The British Government desire that the people shall be treated
with justice and benevolence, and that their religious feelings
and customs be respected.

'The services of such Sirdars and Chiefs as assist in preserving
order will be duly recognized, but all disturbers of the peace and
persons concerned in attacks upon the British authority will meet
with condign punishment.

'The British Government, after consultation with the principal
Sirdars, tribal Chiefs, and others representing the interests and
wishes of the various provinces and cities, will declare its will
as to the future permanent arrangements to be made for the good
government of the people.'

This manifesto was issued on the 28th October, and the same day
I informed Yakub Khan that his abdication had been accepted, and
acquainted him with the orders passed by the British Government in
connexion with this fact.[5]

Yakub Khan showed no interest either in the Proclamation, a Persian
translation of which was read to him, or the Government's decision as
to himself, and made no comment beyond a formal '_bisyar khub_' ('very
good') and an inclination of the head.

I then told Yakub Khan that, as I was now charged with the government
of the country, it was necessary that I should take possession of the
treasury and all moneys therein. He signified his assent, but demurred
to certain sums being considered as public property, contending
that they formed part of his father's wealth, and that the British
Government might as well take from him his _choga_,[6] this
also