| Description | Typescript of diary with title page "No. 4 Abyssinia: Southern Frontier Expedition: Feb. 3 Camp Boku to Feb. 17 Camp Kaasa"
Baird describes the splitting of the party, including discussions with the Abyssinian representatives who are unhappy about their numbers being reduced. In Baird's view, the presence of those representatives of Abyssinian authority has made it much more difficult to obtain information from the local tribes and has reduced the party's effectiveness. As Baird later points out, the Abyssinians are concerned that the British may intend to provoke a rebellion by the southern tribes. Other party members are also concerned about Maud's lack of tact in handling the Abyssinian officials and the local tribesmen. Difficulties with the Abyssinian party continue throughout the diary.
The party explores the Boran and Gurre country; lack of water makes it difficult for them to continue south in the dry season. There is extensive discussion of the tribes of the area, some of which are Muslims, and of the extent to which Emperor Menelik can claim to rule over all the peoples of the area and which tribes the British should be prepared to "give" him. Baird presents these arguments against the background of the international situation and Britain's wish to befriend or isolate other European powers. |