| Description | Typescript of diary with title page "Abyssinia No. 5: Southern Frontier Expedition 1903 Feb. 17 Camp Kaasa to March 21 Camp Jamok"
After further discussion of relations with the Abyssinian representatives, Baird sets out the situation in respect of the south-eastern frontier. Information gathered has made it clear that the party need not survey this area in detail. All of the Boran Gallas there cannot be regarded as belonging to Abyssinia; some of the tribes must come under British rule. Baird gives details of the several groupings concerned, outlines where in his view the border between Abyssinia and the British possessions must run, and discusses the perceived need to find places in Africa for the surplus populations of Europe and India. He believes that this can be achieved without conducting an aggressive war against Abyssinia "at this stage".
The diary also gives detailed reports of the areas surveyed. There are further accounts of the continuing frictions between Baird and the Abyssinian Basha Dugge.
On 17 March Baird rejoins the part of the expedition led by Archibald Butter, and on 19 March he climes Mount Agal with Captain Maud. This part of the diary closes with a list of tribes, places, and chiefs. |