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P.Z. 497/40.

ANNEX I.

Cypher Telegram from Secretary of State to Government of India (External Affairs Department), repeated to H.M. Minister, Kabul, No. 22, dated 30th

January, 1940. (198 words).

Secret.

41

Immediate.

475. Your telegram 24th January, No. 220. Ahmadzai Salient.

I presume that you and Cunningham are satisfied that occupation of this area will not involve an undue risk of causing further trouble elsewhere in Waziristan. If so I sanction your proposal in principle and subject to consideration of the following points:-

(a) I am somewhat doubtful whether it would not be preferable to inform the Afghan Government of our intention as soon as possible in advance rather than simultaneously with any public announcement. They are entitled to prior information of any intended "major" operation, and, though this may not come within that category, it would seem more courteous, if we inform them at all, to do so before the last moment. I should be glad of your views on this point. I do not of course suggest that they should be consulted but that Muhammad Hashim should be informed of our intended action with a full explanation of its necessity. This might be the best means of forestalling any adverse reaction on their part which it seems desirable to avoid in view of the present importance of our relations with them, and the risk of which cannot be altogether excluded. It is true that the area is some distance from the Frontier and to the east of the Spinwam Line. But it will be remembered that Muhammad Hashim has not taken too well our occupation in recent years of other areas in Waziristan though they were also some way from the frontier and within the circular road, and that our alleged "forward" policy, with which permanent occupation of new territory is associated, is something of a bugbear to the Afghan Government.

(b) Subject to your further views, I am doubtful whether it would be expedient to make a public announcement

at any rate in such detail as to include a statement that our objective is permament occupation at this stage. Indeed with a view to minimising risk of giving material for enemy propaganda would it not be better to avoid publicity, so far as this may be possible, regarding the operation itself?

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