It is announced in a telegram from Simla, published in
the Times in large letters, that in the autumn a mixed Russian and English Commission will proceed to the northern border of Afghanistan, in order to define the boundary. This, it is asserted, will "follow the course of the Oxus as far as Rhoja Saleh, whence it will proceed south and west, taking a circular course around the margin of cultivation to Phuli Katun, on the Hen i Rad River." This statement, which reads demi-official, would mean that the Russian Court has been informed that Afghanistan must be respected like a European State, and that any trespass over her border will be considered a declaration of war. Afghanistan will, therefore; in future be a protected State, which must be conquered before British India can be reached. So long as we keep out of Afghanistan that is, we think, sound policy. The Afghans will fight the Russians,. or any other infidels who cross their borders, with perfect heartiness, and we can send them money, munitions, and artillery officers. They will not betray us or desert us while we keep away from Cabal, and internal revolutions will make no change in their determination. We gain, therefore, time by their resistance—and four weeks would transport an army to India—while we remain in our proper position, defending the Suleiman and the Indus. That is an astute arrange- ment, because it secures to us such aid as Afghanistan can afford, takes away her opportunity of treachery, and leaves us upon our proper base,—the river and the railways which reach the sea. If Russia advances, she, and not we, will have to weary herself with the effort to conquer Afghanistan.
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