telegraphic communication between afghanistan and britain started. an exchange of messages still more friendly than in january takes place on the occasion. the "amir" thanks the king for the services rendered by british officials in the progress of the work, and expresses a hope for the continuance of good relations between the two nations, at the same time appealing to britain for fair dealing with the muslim world. the king reciprocates the "amir"s good wishes, and emphasizes the desire of britain to live in peaceful and neighbourly cooperation with the muslim world. despite this great step forward towards removing the isolation of afghanistan, in the all-important matter of internal communications little advance is made during the year. no railways are commenced, and small progress is made with the new roads planned for motor traffic, while the existing roads from kabul to peshawar and kandahar have if anything deteriorated. in the absence of good communications there can be little chance of developing the natural resources of the country.