033.90h11/14a
The Secretary of State to President Harding
My Dear Mr. President: There is a Mission here from Afghanistan apparently with full powers and desirous of having American participation in the development of that country. Apparently we have hitherto had no relations with Afghanistan directly as formerly our dealings with that country were through Great Britain. In 1919 Great Britain recognized the independence of Afghanistan. In a statement from the Viceroy to the Secretary of State for India, dated August 9, 1919, it was said:
“By the said Treaty, and this letter, therefore, Afghanistan is left officially free and independent in its affairs, both internal and external.”
I am informed that this Mission was received in France by M. Briand and by the President of the French Republic. Our Embassy in Paris was also advised by the British Ambassador at Paris that there was no objection to our receiving the Mission, although he added that the British Government did not look with favor on its activities or its endeavors to conclude agreements with other Governments inasmuch as Afghanistan, although ostensibly independent, was still within the British “sphere of political influence.”
There is, however, no way of having relations with Afghanistan at this time unless they are had directly and there is nothing in the British position which precludes our reception of the Mission.
It also appears that Afghanistan has made a treaty with the Soviet Government in which, among other things, it is agreed that the latter shall give a free subsidy yearly to the extent of one million roubles to Afghanistan, and also supply technical and other specialists. But the Soviet Government has dealings with other Powers with which we are in relation and I do not believe that the Soviet Treaty with Afghanistan furnishes a reason for precluding ourselves from the opportunity which otherwise might be open in that country.
[Page 259]I have informed the Mission that I shall receive them on Wednesday at the Department and I think that it would be well, if you approve, that you should also receive them. I do not think, however, that pending further inquiries it is necessary or advisable to go beyond their courteous reception.
. . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Faithfully yours,