After long delay, the Afghan government at length took energetic measures to arrest the lawless gangs which, after committing several murders of British officials and their wives across the border, had found refuge on Afghan territory.

The Indian government, however, claimed he was the illegitimate Indian-born son of amir Yakub Khan, who disowned him as a disgrace to the Afghan community.

In August, the amir purchased two aeroplanes from the British for use against the rebels, and his consort stimulated the enthusiasm of his soldiers by distributing large rewards to all who served under his flag.

In October the rebels began to show signs of demoralization; a severe defeat was inflicted on them at Logar, and by November the insurrection in the Khost had generally subsided.

Earlier in the year Russian envoys at Kabul sought to excite anti-British feeling, and in particular to accuse Britain of fomenting the rebellion.