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AMANULLAH

The new apologia was in the form of an " Ithad-i-
Mishan," or Royal statement. In flowery language it
set forth the lofty ideals that had inspired the tour.
It said : " By the greatness of God, by the nation's
enterprise, and by the efforts of thy servant, Afghanistan
in the shadow of freedom has bidden adieu for ever to
its stationary position. It has joined the social and
living nations of the world. This life, so important for
freedom, can only be maintained if we participate in the
social advancement. In the last eight years of freedom,
laws have been passed and introduced to the country.
I want to acquaint myself with the present mode of
living in Europe, as certain ways of that Continent are
being adopted here, so that after study we shall introduce
them if thought necessary. It is a fact that many other
rulers have done so. This made me resolve to do so.
You should therefore rule most carefully while I am
absent. Nobody should be oppressed. Farewell.*'

The above, a literal translation as far as is possible,
gives clearly enough Amanullah's state of mind at the
time. It reveals the slight fear of leaving his land to
his lieutenants. It shows his avowed intention of
bringing back with him some object-lessons from Europe.
It promises yet more shocks for the mullahs. It boasts
of the reforms which were already in operation in the
country. And it has the right apologetic note that was
an inevitable feature of his mind at that moment.

There was a farewell durbar at Jallalabad, at which
the usual fulsome speeches were made by those who
were currying favour* The Court was in a flurry of
preparation till the last moment. But eventually, on
December 10, 1927, a large red Rolls-Royce drew out
of the fort at Spin Baldak, name of grim memories to
British troops. A thousand bearded and armed hillmen
cheered, breaking the ranks of the police to crowd