Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about Afghanistan [‎9v] (19/312)

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OPINION IN THE WEEKLY REVIEWS.
ENGLISH POLICY IN AFGHANISTAN.
The Saturday Review observes that if such an enterprise as the occu
pation of Cabul and Herat is undertaken, there is reason to suppose that
it will be successful. The disaster of forty years ago was caused by the
incapacity of a general appointed with exclusive regard to his family
connection, and by the misconduct of other military and civil officials.
English officers understand their business better in 1878 than in
1839; and modern arms of precision are more formidable than the
olcl-lashioned cannon and muskets, which had not been improved since
the days of the great French war. On the other hand, the Afghans in
case of war would be encouraged and backed by a Power which was then
separated by several hundreds of miles from Cabul, while it now possesses
the adjoining territories. Nevertheless, it is scarcely probable that in case
of war Shere Ali would be joined by a Russian contingent. The question
to be considered is one rather of expediency than of political morality.
As far as the justice of the proposed policy is concerned, it only remains
to ascertain whether Shere Ali in receiving the Russian mission has
furnished sufficient ground for menace or for actual war. If Sir
Neville Chamberlain is not admitted to the Ameer's Court, it will
be difficult not to accept the challenge which will have been offered.
Whether it will be expedient to prosecute a not unlawful quarrel is a
question to be determined on military, political, and financial grounds.
The strategical issue has on many occasions been fully stated, and
civilians must depend on professional authority for a solution. The main
objection to the policy which apparently finds favour at Simla is that it
would involve an increase of the army and a heavy additional charge
on the Budget. But the question is not whether the North Western
border of Afghanistan is more defensible than the present frontier, but
whether the benefit to be derived from a movement in advance would
be woith its cost. By far the best solution of existing difficulties would
be a friendly understanding with Russia, if only it were possible.
The Spectator says the question whether Shere Ali will yield or fight
is a question which greatly interests English taxpayers, for the answer
may make the difference to them of ^d. in the income tax for five years at
least. The Ministry have apparently decided, without the smallest con
sultation with the country, that they will invite Shere Ali, the Ameer of
Afghanistan, to enter into a strictly subordinate alliance with the Indian
Government, and to guard his whole territory against Russia on behalf
of British interests. If he accepts the invitation, nothing further will
be done beyond signing another treaty, and appointing Residents to
carry it out; but if he refuses, Afghanistan will be invaded from two
sides, Shere Ali will be deposed, and his dominions will be added to the
Indian Empire. The Ministry, however, believe that the expense of this
operation may be avoided, for Shere Ali, once confronted with Sir Neville
Chamberlain, is sure, they think, to yield all the demands he will be
ordered to present. The Spectator is unable to agree with her Majesty's
Ministers. Apart altogether from a very strong belief that the proposed
extension of frontier is unwise, and without advancing the argument that
the war will be hopelessly immoral, as immoral as a German war against
France because France may one day grow strong, the Spectator doubts
whether Shere Ali will see the Ministerial arguments in the light in which their;
supporters at home affect to see them. The man himself is a most excep
tional being, able, determined, and energetic, with a history of blood and
success behind him, master in his own dominions, and proud to excess
alike of his great father and himself; but there is a streak in his character
of insane gloom, such as the sacred chronicler ascribes to Saul. It is not
hypochondriac gloom, however, but the gloom of a man who can wake out
of it to a burst of furious, bloodthirsty energy, such as his Sirdars Leader of a tribe or a polity; also refers to a military rank or title given to a commander of an army or division. and his
children have acutely learned to dread. An overmastering impulse of
this kind may seize Shere Ali, and then arguments will be as much thrown
away as promises, and we shall have a valueless Bosnia to subdue, with a
loftier Alps behind our invading armies. The Spectator does not say
that we cannot do it. But the Government is straining its prepared
resources—we do not say its ultimate resources—with every nesv project,
and while facing Russia, and coercing Turkey, and garrisoning Cyprus,
and claiming ascendancy in Egypt, and threatening to occupy Asia
Minor—vide Times of Wednesday—is light-heartedly pledging itself to
commence a war of conquest at the back of the Asiatic world. I