124.90H/54: Telegram
The Minister in Iran ( Dreyfus ) to the Secretary of State
[Received 7:55 p.m.]
65. Following preliminary report on results of Afghan mission. Our reception was unusually cordial due to traditional Afghan spirit [Page 259] of hospitality, to the obvious friendly disposition of the people toward Americans and to the desire of the Government to have us open a Legation at Kabul. The Afghans have a sincere and deep rooted desire in the absence of a friend or neighbor to whom they can turn to have a disinterested third-power friend to assist and advise them and they have always hoped that the United States would be willing to fill such a role. This desire on their part is not opportunistic because of the war although war conditions have made it more acute. I venture to recommend the immediate opening of a Legation at Kabul for the following reasons—first and most important the United States should accept the hand of friendship offered it by this small and independent nation in keeping with its world responsibilities; secondly this is an opportunity which should not be missed of establishing ourselves solidly in a strategic position in Asia; thirdly our interests in Afghanistan should increase since negotiations are now under way to bring a number of American teachers and technical advisers, and many more are contemplated if all goes well. It may be pointed out that Germany has established herself well in Afghanistan as a result of the good work of her more than 100 citizen advisers there and to the economic assistance and advice she has given.
As to administration of justice in Afghanistan my opinion after considerable investigation on the spot is that while justice is administered exclusively by [apparent omission] on the basis of Islamic law and there is no legal or constitutional guarantee of treatment according to western standards. In practical application foreigners are accorded suitable treatment and the Government is most anxious to avoid incidents involving them. There have been no cases in recent years of harsh or unusual treatment of foreigners and in a number of cases those accused of serious crimes have been turned over to their Legations for deportation rather than delivered to the vagaries of the Shariat.
The Afghan Government has expressed willingness to sign a more comprehensive treaty including most-favored-nation clause with certain reservations. Their rough draft of a suggested treaty13 is being forwarded by mail.
The Afghans are willing to waive visa fees through exchange of notes. I should appreciate instructions if Department wishes me to proceed therewith.
A series of despatches on political and economic subjects covering the Afghan mission will be prepared and forwarded as time permits.