overnment 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 arrival in Turkestan, the hostility and
treachery of those whose misconduct he admits and deplores had
compelled the Government of India to make territorial arrangements
of a material and permanent character for the better protection of
our fr