General E. B. Hamley delivered a lecture on Friday week,
at the Royal United Service Institution, on the North-West Frontier. His contention was that India could not be invaded by Russia without a thoroughly organised army of invasion, and better com- munications than she possessed now, but that when she attacked, she would essay the southern road, through Candahar and Quetta, where her troops would have room to concentrate and move. In meeting her there, the British, as they are now posted, would have the disadvantage of a long road through a pass, out of which they could deploy only by degrees. Ile would therefore hold not only Quetta, but Candahar, station a strong force in that "de- lightful climate," and complete railway communication from Kurrachee to the Bolan. The British Army would then be in direct communication by railway and sea with Candahar, whence Persia also could be seriously influenced. The audience, mainly composed of experienced officers, agreed with General Hamley; and there is, we believe, a consensus of opinion that if we are to advance beyond the mountains at all, Candahar would be our best outpost, as from it we can make a flank attack on any army advancing through Afghanistan. General Hamley has not, however, discussed our position if a third of the European Army were in Candahar during a native rising. We have India to garrison, as well as to defend against dangers from which we can find a defence in Europe.
