Scrapbook of newspaper cuttings about Afghanistan [‎103r] (209/312)

Aa tn* % - y
OUR EASTERN TROUBLES;
T he meaning of the rather confused rumours about an advance of English
troops over the Afghan frontier we believe to be this. Shere Ali had
determined to coerce the Khyberees offhand, and made vigorous prepara
tions for that purpose. On this the Khyberees wanted to know whether
the English forces would help them if they resisted; the answer was
favourable; an advance was made; and if the Afghans prove as active
as they seem to be, we may soon hear that actual hostilities on a small
initiatory scale have commenced. If this is a true account of the matter,
one advantage we have already gained. The Khyberees are pledged to
our side in the conflict; and this may help to decide other tribes in our
favour.
After a confabulation lasting over three hours the Cabinet has again
dispersed. It was anticipated that a second Council would be held to-day;
but there were obvious reasons why the business before Ministers should
be settled, if possible, at one meeting, and those reasons prevailed. But
there must have been much to discuss, for even the important Afghan
business is not the only trouble ahead. Turkish affairs are by no means
in a promising condition, and there are Russian complications with both.
Still, it was better, perhaps, to "knock off" in a single sitting whatever
consideration these complications demanded, than to seem unprepared, or
anxious, or in any way dubious or divided.
Whosoever imagined that the Cabinet was to meet to sanction imme
diate^ operations in Afghanistan must now feel that their expectations were
unfounded. As we said on Saturday, the Afghans may force operations a
little; but the determination is to do nothing till the spring, except to
mass an imposing number of men at certain positions and await the effect
of a demonstration of strength and resolution. The hope is that the effect
will be to " demoralize " the Ameer, or to alarm his chiefs into deposing or
murdering him. That is the hope. But there is also an intention; which
intention we have already indicated. Our Government of course under
stand, though their newspapers are forbidden to recognize the fact, that
this is a matter in which we have to deal with the Czar as much as with
the Ameer, or rather more. And, having made their provisional military
demonstrations, they look to the winter as affording opportunities of
" squaring Russia " in those and in other regions. This is quite understood
amongst Russian diplomats and by Russian inspired journalists, who are
already beginning to use the language which we lately put into the
mouth of an imaginary Russian Minister. " By properly calculating
our means of harming England in India," says one, " we may incline
her to assume a milder policy regarding the Balkan peninsula." From
other quarters we hear of the obvious necessity, should an Afghan
war with England take a serious shape, of guarding Russian interests
by advancing a corps of observation. And so forth. Meanwhile threats
of unofficial war on behalf of the Afghans are repeated every day,
and with increasing frankness. Our Government may think what they
please of all this, but they dare not make light of it; and we
shall probably see the consequence in further " concessions " to Russia at
Constantinople, in Bulgaria, in Roumelia. In fact, the Treaty of Berlin
may already be regarded as a dead letter in the very particulars upon
which our Plenipotentiaries most prided themselves, while some of the
unrepealed provisions of the San Stefano Treaty will soon be pressed
upon attention. Russian diplomacy is quite aware of the extraordinary
advantages it has gained, and, having been allowed to get England's
proud head " in chancery," will not release it except on handsome
terms. Of this we may be sure.
SUMMARY OF THIS MORNING'S NEWS.
1 he reported advance of British troops on the Afghan frontier is confirmed.
Un the 4i.h snst. a large portion of the Peshawur garrison moved to Jumrood,
and it is now announced that this force has captured Ali Musjid. Tne Times
correspondent says, however, that there can be little doubt that the Government
will use every endeavour to avoid a winter campaign, and, " unless driven to
adopt immediate offensive operations by aggressive military movements on the
part of the Ameer, they will probably rest content until the winter is over with
consolidating the necessary military and commissariat preparations for the
very serious undertaking of a prolonged Afghan war." A Renter's telegram
from Bombay says that the Khyberees have declared in favour of the British,
a tha t t the Momunds are marching to join the Cabulees. Another despatch
states that dissensions have broken out 1 among the great Afghan chiefs.