The chief control of affairs remains in the hands of the three uncles of the young king, Zahir Shah, who continue to work together in complete harmony.

New motor roads are built in the Southern Province, and classes in practical agriculture are opened in Kabul under the guidance of a Japanese expert.

Direct telegraphic communication is opened with Iran, the Afghan line being connected with the Iranian at Kalk Ala.

An agreement, virtually amounting to a trade agreement between the Soviet Union and Afghanistan, is concluded between the Afghanistan National Bank and the Soviet Trade Agency, by which arrangements are made for the barter of commodities between the two countries, with imports and exports balancing at a value of 10,500,000 gold dollars over a three-year period beginning on June 1.

It is reported that the Afghan government has granted to the Inland Exploration Company of New York a 75-year concession for oil covering 270,000 square miles (700,000 km2).