festivities are held at paghman to celebrate the anniversary of afghan independence. the "amir" on this occasion becomes reconciled with his elder brother, inayatullah khan. a rumour spread that he had been murdered, and he had to hasten to kabul to show himself. he takes the opportunity of making a speech in which he lays stress on the importance of developing home industries, of dispensing with foreign officials, and of a strong army to preserve the national independence. subject to these conditions the "amir" shows himself anxious to modernize the country. he welcomes the presence of all kinds of foreign missions. thus on october 13 raymond poincaré demands from the french chamber credits for the creation of a french legation in afghanistan, the two governments having agreed to receive permanent diplomatic missions.