Fixing Persian-Afghan Boundary

Taranaki Daily News, Volume XLVII, Issue 7939, 30 September 1905, Page 2

Fixing Persian-Afghan Boundary

British Mission's Iritis A Determined Leader. (Received Sept. 29, 10.9 p.m.) LONDON, Sept. 29. The British Commission, appointed in 1903, under the; leadership of Co'onel ( McMahon, to arrange the boundary disputes which had arisen between Persian Seistan and Af'ghau Seistan, owing to the constantly, changing bed of the River Ilclmand, lias completed its labours'. The narrative of the mission is palpitating with interest. The Afghans wero friendly and helpful, but, owing to the Semiffli and Russian interference and intrigue, mils representing the object of the mission, considerate delay and obstruction from the Persian Seistan were, experienced at the outset. Anti-British riots were organised, but failed. Flogging the ringleaders, including the majority o[ the Russian agents, astonished and impressed the Persians, and the work was continued through a series of perils and privations, owing i.ta.. the heat and cold waterless desort in; the south, and marshes, inundations, and blizzards in the north. Tlte native escort lost eight men through heat and thirst, four by drowning, three by frost, one by bydropMfra,and thirty-four/by disease. Forty-nine camels and, 120 horses succumbed; 48 camels by hydrophobia, due to mad wolves' attacks and mad jackals which abounded. The award, which was accepted by both sides, over-rul-ed the Afghan claim to a new and more westerly bed of the Helmand, and confirming the Goldsroid line, which recognised the old bed as the frontier, in accordance with the Persian contention. The boundary is fixed to continue irrespective of chanf ges of the river. Mis-statements re- * garding the award appeared in the Persian newspapers. Reuter says that thanks, to Colonel , McMahon's tact and determination, i tlie Russian 'and' British positions of influence over the Seistan were rever- ; sed, and the impartiality of the award proved a blowto Russian prestige.. The Russian Consul has withdrawn , failing to frustrato the mission. '