In Small Things Remembered » Early Contacts

A.C. Jewett, Chief Engineer for Emir Habibullah from 1911 to 1919.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:15:24 +0000

A.C. Jewett, Chief Engineer for Emir Habibullah from 1911 to 1919.




a. Jewett in local clothing.		b. Supervising a construction project. Elephants moved boulders and carried heavy machinery over long distances.


Locations unknown, 1910s This former General Electric engineer traveled to Kabul in 1911 to oversee the construction of the country’s first hydroelectric plant. Jewett remained in Afghanistan for eight years and his work set a precedent for the hundreds of American engineers who followed him in later decades. Courtesy of the University of Minnesota Press.

The first official U.S.-Afghan meeting.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:14:31 +0000

The first official U.S.-Afghan meeting.




a. Letter from Emir Amanullah to President Warren G. Harding (English).	b. The Emir’s letter to the President (Dari).	c. President Harding.	d. Letter from the President to the Emir.


Kabul, 1921 Marion, Ohio, 1920 Washington, D.C., 1921 Mohammed Wali gave President Harding a leather-bound album of letters from Emir Amanullah and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mahmood Tarzi. These documents, with their ornate calligraphy and hand-painted borders, are preserved in the National Archives of the United States outside of Washington, D.C. Documents courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 Am1/1; RG 59. Courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society. AL03540.

“Princess Fatima” and her entourage in the U.S. capital.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:13:27 +0000

“Princess Fatima” and her entourage
in the U.S. capital.




	L to R: Stanley Weyman, escort; Fatima’s three sons; Fatima; and Zerdecheno, her consort.


	Washington, D.C., 1921 The visit of Fatima Begum and her entourage to the United States caused a sensation in the American press, thanks to her eccentric fashion sense and the 45-carat heirloom diamond she carried. It was a remarkable coincidence that two groups of Afghans arrived in Washington, D.C., simultaneously to meet President Harding at the White House. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. LC-F8-15225.

American businessmen travel to Afghanistan in the 1920s.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:12:09 +0000

American businessmen travel to Afghanistan in the 1920s.




a. Lowell Thomas (left) and David Wooster King (both wearing sun helmets).		b. Washington B. Vanderlip (right).


Locations unknown, 1922 Writer Lowell Thomas, his photographer Harry A. Chase, and American entrepreneur David Wooster King traveled from British India to Afghanistan in 1922 in search of business opportunities. They were surprised to find another American, Washington B. Vanderlip, who had already received a contract from Emir Amanullah to extract natural resources. Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1311.49; 1315.1. Photographs by Harry A. Chase and Lowell Thomas.

Lowell Thomas meets Afghan leaders.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:10:18 +0000

Lowell Thomas meets Afghan leaders.




a. Thomas with an Afghan army officer at a military review.		b. A gathering in the gardens at Paghman. Thomas, third from left; Prince Inayatullah, center; Emir Amanullah, third from right; Shah Wali, second from right; Mahmood Tarzi, far right.


Kabul, 1922 Paghman, 1922 Thomas was a traveler and writer who had made a name for himself by promoting the popular image of “Lawrence of Arabia.” He journeyed to Afghanistan in search of stories for a film that was never produced. While in Kabul, Thomas met the Royal Family, including Shah Wali who was later known as the “Conqueror of Kabul.” Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1314.40; 1314.10. Photographs by Harry A. Chase.

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. and his wife visit Afghanistan.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:08:24 +0000

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. and his wife visit Afghanistan.




a. “Ted,” Jr. (right) poses at the famous sign.		b. Mrs. Eleanor Roosevelt with local tribesmen.


Khyber Pass, 1933 Bamian, 1933 At King Nadir Shah’s behest, the Roosevelts traveled to Afghanistan following the Colonel’s tenure as Governor General of the Philippines. They were met at the border by Prince Mohammed Daoud, the King’s young nephew, who later became Prime Minister and then President of Afghanistan. The couple’s cousin, President Franklin D. Roosevelt, began official communications with the Afghan government the following year. Courtesy of the Library of Congress. LC-LOT 10526 (J) #120 and #145.

Afghan students in the United States during the 1930s.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:06:51 +0000

Afghan students in the United States during the 1930s.




a. Engineering student Mohammed Kabir Ludin poses with fellow club members (top row, second from left; light suit and glasses).		b. Letter from Columbia University medical student Mohammad Tahir to President Franklin D. Roosevelt.


Ithaca, New York, 1935 New York, New York, 1933 King Nadir Shah sent the first official group of Afghan students to study in the United States in 1932. This successful initiative continued through the 1930s and set the stage for decades of educational exchanges. Students often developed a great affection for American culture and participated in university clubs and societies. Many returned home to assume leadership positions. In this photo, the future Afghan Ambassador to the U.S., Mohammed Kabir Ludin, is pictured with members of the Cornell University Cosmopolitan Club. Courtesy of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Libraries. RMC2005_0232. Photograph by George Frederick Morgan. Document courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.01/24; RG 59.

Correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Zahir Shah.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:04:53 +0000

Correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt
and King Zahir Shah.




a. Letter from the Afghan King to the U.S. President (English).	b. The King’s letter to the President (Dari).	c. President Roosevelt at a Civilian Conservation Corps camp.	d. Letter from the President to King Zahir Shah.


Kabul, 1934 Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, 1933 Washington, D.C., 1934 Franklin D. Roosevelt was inaugurated as the 32nd President of the United States in March 1933. Nineteen-year-old Mohammed Zahir Shah was pronounced King in Afghanistan later that same year. Their acknowledgement of each other’s governments began a process that culminated in the exchange of diplomats and the signing of a 1936 agreement. Documents courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 ZAHIR; RG 59. Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.

American engineer Rex Vivian oversees construction of a bridge near Baghlan.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:02:27 +0000

American engineer Rex Vivian oversees construction
of a bridge near Baghlan.





Dowshi, 1935-1936 Location unknown, 1935-1936 Vivian worked for the Afghan government to construct an important bridge in Dowshi, roughly 100 miles north of Kabul. He was surprised to find U.S.-made Caterpillar tractors already in use. Although Vivian’s photographic negatives remain with his descendants, the diaries he wrote did not survive. Fortunately, his friend G. Felix Howland, an American teacher in Kabul, left a detailed record of their time together. Courtesy of Candace and Rex Douglas Vivian. Photographs by Rex Vivian.

The Townshend Johnson Expedition explores the Bamian Valley.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 10:00:34 +0000

The Townshend Johnson Expedition
explores the Bamian Valley.





	Bamian, 1937 The expedition was organized by three Harvard University students: A. Townshend Johnson, Benjamin Rowland, Jr., and F. Bailey Vanderhoef, Jr. Their shared passion for Asian art culminated in a round-the-world journey to see the wonders of Central and South Asia. While Johnson died tragically in World War II, Rowland later taught Asian art history at Harvard, and Vanderhoef became an expert on Tibetan culture. Courtesy of the National Archives Still Picture Unit. 306-NT-840-1.

Ernest Fox surveys for gold with Afghan tribesmen in Badakhshan.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:58:31 +0000

Ernest Fox surveys for gold with
Afghan tribesmen in Badakhshan.





	Duang, 1937-1938 This American geologist carried out a survey of the country’s natural resources. Fox published his memoirs of travels on horseback with various tribes of northern Afghanistan. These recollections include vivid descriptions of traditional gold panning, falconry, and the ancient game of buzkashi. He returned to Kabul in 1944 as the U.S. Military Attaché. Courtesy of the Fox-Swindler Collection.

The staff of American diplomat Charles W. Thayer.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:56:45 +0000

The staff of American diplomat
Charles W. Thayer.




	L to R: Afghan cook; Abdullah, the Court falconer; Thayer’s butler, Yang.


	Kabul, 1942-1943 Thayer played a key role in organizing the first U.S. diplomatic mission in Kabul, but spent much of his free time learning about local customs. Long interested in falconry, he befriended the Court falconer and dedicated many hours to this ancient sport. One of the dogs seen here is probably “Midget,” Thayer’s prized Belgian shepherd, who was paired with the King’s German shepherd to produce a litter of five “royal” puppies. Courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library. Charles W. Thayer Papers. 2008-1112. Photograph by Charles W. Thayer.

King Zahir Shah in his reconnaissance vehicle.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:54:58 +0000

King Zahir Shah in his
reconnaissance vehicle.





	Kabul, 1950s The U.S. diplomatic mission, led by Cornelius Van H. Engert, maintained a cordial relationship with Afghan leaders during World War II. In late 1942, Engert and Military Attaché Major Gordon Enders presented a Willys Reconnaissance Car to Minister of War Shah Mahmood. They gave a larger Dodge Reconnaissance Car to the King several months later. This photograph was probably taken during a 1950s troop review. Research suggests that the vehicle depicted is the King’s original gift. Courtesy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Washington, D.C. Photograph by James A. Cudney.

An American teacher coaches baseball in Afghanistan.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:50:29 +0000

An American teacher coaches baseball
in Afghanistan.




	The Habibia College Hawks and the War College Nuristani Tigers at the Jeshyn Grounds.


	Kabul, 1946 In a message to the State Department from the U.S. mission in Kabul, Minister Engert wrote that J. Robert Fluker, a teacher at Habibia College, had introduced baseball to his students. Team uniforms were donated by the local American community and the King’s uncle, Shah Mahmood, threw the first pitch at the opening game. Time Magazine, reporting on this historic event, wrote, “Afghan bagpipers on the sidelines tootled furiously and folk dancers whooped and whirled.” Courtesy of the J. Robert Fluker Collection.

Hollywood movie poster at the Kabul Cinema.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:48:04 +0000

Hollywood movie poster at the Kabul Cinema.





	Kabul, mid-1940s This image appeared in National Geographic Magazine in 1946. Since 1909, National Geographic has published many articles about Afghanistan — more than any other country in the world except for China. The “Afghan girl,” pictured on the cover of the magazine in 1985 and often compared to da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, remains an iconic image for Americans and Afghans. Courtesy of Maynard Owen Williams/National Geographic Stock.

Prince Mohammed Naim presents his credentials at the White House.

admin — Fri, 01 Apr 2011 09:46:01 +0000

Prince Mohammed Naim presents his
credentials at the White House.





	Washington, D.C., 1948 In 1948, the U.S. and Afghan missions were upgraded to full embassies. King Zahir Shah sent his cousin to serve as Chargé d’affaires in Washington, D.C. — a sign of the importance the Monarch placed upon diplomatic relations. President Harry S. Truman commented that the friendship between the two countries would be “preserved and strengthened” by the presence of senior diplomats in each capital. Courtesy of the National Archives Still Picture Unit. 306-PS-44-P-49-2619; Acme.

In Small Things Remembered » Early Contacts

A.C. Jewett, Chief Engineer for Emir Habibullah from 1911 to 1919.

A.C. Jewett, Chief Engineer for Emir Habibullah from 1911 to 1919.

Locations unknown, 1910s

Courtesy of the University of Minnesota Press.

The first official U.S.-Afghan meeting.

The first official U.S.-Afghan meeting.

Kabul, 1921 Marion, Ohio, 1920 Washington, D.C., 1921

Documents courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 Am1/1; RG 59. Courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society. AL03540.

“Princess Fatima” and her entourage in the U.S. capital.

“Princess Fatima” and her entourage in the U.S. capital.

Washington, D.C., 1921

Courtesy of the Library of Congress. LC-F8-15225.

American businessmen travel to Afghanistan in the 1920s.

American businessmen travel to Afghanistan in the 1920s.

Locations unknown, 1922

Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1311.49; 1315.1. Photographs by Harry A. Chase and Lowell Thomas.

Lowell Thomas meets Afghan leaders.

Lowell Thomas meets Afghan leaders.

Kabul, 1922 Paghman, 1922

Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1314.40; 1314.10. Photographs by Harry A. Chase.

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. and his wife visit Afghanistan.

Colonel Theodore Roosevelt, Jr. and his wife visit Afghanistan.

Khyber Pass, 1933 Bamian, 1933

Courtesy of the Library of Congress. LC-LOT 10526 (J) #120 and #145.

Afghan students in the United States during the 1930s.

Afghan students in the United States during the 1930s.

Ithaca, New York, 1935 New York, New York, 1933

Courtesy of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Libraries. RMC2005_0232. Photograph by George Frederick Morgan. Document courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.01/24; RG 59.

Correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Zahir Shah.

Correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt and King Zahir Shah.

Kabul, 1934 Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, 1933 Washington, D.C., 1934

Documents courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 ZAHIR; RG 59. Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.

American engineer Rex Vivian oversees construction of a bridge near Baghlan.

American engineer Rex Vivian oversees construction of a bridge near Baghlan.

Dowshi, 1935-1936 Location unknown, 1935-1936

Courtesy of Candace and Rex Douglas Vivian. Photographs by Rex Vivian.

The Townshend Johnson Expedition explores the Bamian Valley.

The Townshend Johnson Expedition explores the Bamian Valley.

Bamian, 1937

Courtesy of the National Archives Still Picture Unit. 306-NT-840-1.

Ernest Fox surveys for gold with Afghan tribesmen in Badakhshan.

Ernest Fox surveys for gold with Afghan tribesmen in Badakhshan.

Duang, 1937-1938

Courtesy of the Fox-Swindler Collection.

The staff of American diplomat Charles W. Thayer.

The staff of American diplomat Charles W. Thayer.

Kabul, 1942-1943

Courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library. Charles W. Thayer Papers. 2008-1112. Photograph by Charles W. Thayer.

King Zahir Shah in his reconnaissance vehicle.

King Zahir Shah in his reconnaissance vehicle.

Kabul, 1950s

Courtesy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Washington, D.C. Photograph by James A. Cudney.

An American teacher coaches baseball in Afghanistan.

An American teacher coaches baseball in Afghanistan.

Kabul, 1946

Courtesy of the J. Robert Fluker Collection.

Hollywood movie poster at the Kabul Cinema.

Hollywood movie poster at the Kabul Cinema.

Kabul, mid-1940s

Courtesy of Maynard Owen Williams/National Geographic Stock.

Prince Mohammed Naim presents his credentials at the White House.

Prince Mohammed Naim presents his credentials at the White House.

Washington, D.C., 1948

Courtesy of the National Archives Still Picture Unit. 306-PS-44-P-49-2619; Acme.

Kabul, 1921
Marion, Ohio, 1920
Washington, D.C., 1921

Documents courtesy of the National Archives.
Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 Am1/1; RG 59.
Courtesy of the Ohio Historical Society. AL03540.

“Princess Fatima” and her entourage
in the U.S. capital.

Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1311.49; 1315.1.
Photographs by Harry A. Chase and Lowell Thomas.

Kabul, 1922
Paghman, 1922

Courtesy of the Marist College Archives & Special Collections. 1314.40; 1314.10.
Photographs by Harry A. Chase.

Khyber Pass, 1933
Bamian, 1933

Courtesy of the Library of Congress.
LC-LOT 10526 (J) #120 and #145.

Ithaca, New York, 1935
New York, New York, 1933

Courtesy of the Division of Rare and Manuscript Collections, Cornell University Libraries. RMC2005_0232.
Photograph by George Frederick Morgan.
Document courtesy of the National Archives. Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.01/24; RG 59.

Correspondence between President Franklin D. Roosevelt
and King Zahir Shah.

Kabul, 1934
Shenandoah Valley, Virginia, 1933
Washington, D.C., 1934

Documents courtesy of the National Archives.
Department of State Central Decimal File 890H.001 ZAHIR; RG 59.
Courtesy of the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library & Museum.

American engineer Rex Vivian oversees construction
of a bridge near Baghlan.

Dowshi, 1935-1936
Location unknown, 1935-1936

Courtesy of Candace and Rex Douglas Vivian.
Photographs by Rex Vivian.

The Townshend Johnson Expedition
explores the Bamian Valley.

Ernest Fox surveys for gold with
Afghan tribesmen in Badakhshan.

The staff of American diplomat
Charles W. Thayer.

Courtesy of the Harry S. Truman Library. Charles W. Thayer Papers. 2008-1112.
Photograph by Charles W. Thayer.

King Zahir Shah in his
reconnaissance vehicle.

Courtesy of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan, Washington, D.C.
Photograph by James A. Cudney.

An American teacher coaches baseball
in Afghanistan.

Prince Mohammed Naim presents his
credentials at the White House.