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ANNEX I.

Copy of a telegram dated 4th November 1941,

from Secretary of State for India, to Govt. of India, External Affairs Dept.

Repeated Kabul.

13976. Addressed by Secretary of State for India to Government of India No. 13976 and repeated to Kabul. No. 392. Your telegram No. 4516 of 26th August. Situation has changed considerably since your telegram was received and H. M. G. are actively reconsidering possibility of using supply routes for Russia via Afghanistan in light of latest developments. General situation on Russian front and German threat to Caucasus now make it more than ever imperative to explore all possible means of getting supplies through to Russia and this consideration may have to be regarded as over-riding any strategic objections hitherto seen to development of roads adjacent to Indian frontier, Even if Afghan routes could only carry comparatively small amount of traffic to Russia, they would be important supplement to Persian routes which are likely to become congested with our own requirements,

2.

H. M. G. recognise that actual approach to Afghan Government on this subject will naturally be conditioned by development of internal political situation in Afghanistan during next few weeks and in particular by what transpires at approaching meeting of Loe Jirga especially in view of assurance given to Afghan Govt. that H. M. G. do not intend to develop these routes without Afghan co-operation. On the other hand, quite apart from this assurance, development of routes without Afghan co-operation would not seen to be a practicable policy. It might however be possible to overcome difficulties rásulting from fence of anti-Soviet feeling in Afghanistan if transport organisation were at least nominally under Afghan control and run on terms which would produce substantial profits for Afghan Government and tribes concerned. Method of approach to Afghan Government and question of concerting measures with Soviet Government would require careful consideration. It might perhaps be necessary to revive in some form proposals for grant of credits to Afghan Government for road development. In this connexion has Minister : Kabul received any information of further developments as a result of negotiations initiated by Russian Trade Representative at Kabul reported in paragraph 4 of Katodon 285 of 29th August?

3.

On assumption that political obstacles can be overcome and that definite decision is reached to develop Afghan roads I should be grateful for Government of India's views on extent to which bridging and road-making material, technical assistance etc. could be supplied from India. Persian routes must clearly take precedence over Afghan routes et present and it might be convenient to consider development of latter in two phases covering (a) improvements which could be mad immediately and (b) programme of long term development as additional supplies of material become available. As regards (a) it appears that even temporary bridge over Helmand would at once double carrying capacity of Kandahar- Herat route soe parograph 2 of Katodon 279 of 24th August).

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