THE REBUFF TO RUSSIA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLVIII, Issue 136, 9 May 1928, Page 6

THE REBUFF TO RUSSIA.

If, as recorded by the Exchange Telegram Agency from London, Ring Amanullah lias declined to enter into a Russo-Afghan military alliance, as desired by the Soviet officials, he is certainly a wiser man than they took him to be. Such an alliance would unquestionably be one directed against Great Britain and . British rule in India. It would be a great thing for the Soviet if it could be brought about, as, beyond question, the predatory designs of Soviet Russia are directed primarily against the British, as we have seen in its subversive actions and propaganda in China, Persia and India, and as is further apparent in its proposed presentation, in ceremonial fashion, to the Red Army of the forty-five aeroplanes which have been built and equipped as the Soviet’s “answer to Chamberlain." Afghanistan, in alliance with the Soviet, would be a continual menace to India, even more so than Persia, and, in any war which Russia might declare against Britain, would prove a formidable base for offensive action against our great Indian Empire. It is fortunate for the peace of the world at this time that the Ring of Afghanistan is a much travelled and enlightened monarch, and that he has seen ( the countries of the West and had intercourse with their statesmen and rulers prior to visiting Russia in the course of his royal progression abroad. It is fortunate, also, that his inclinations are more towards Western life and customs than towards Eastern life and customs. Under Czar is t rule, an Anglo-Russian Covention was concluded whereby Afghanistan was declared outside the Russian sphere of influence and, under a later treaty signed by representatives of Afghanistan and Great Britain, on November 22nd, 1921, the British and Afghan Governments, agreed to respect one another’s internal ‘and external independence; to recognise the existing boundaries of the two countries; to receive Legations at London and Habul, and consular officers at Delhi, Calcutta, Rarachi, Bombay and Randahar and Jalalabad respectively. A trade convention was also concluded between the two countries, and the relationships between them have remained on a fairly stable basis ever since. It is moreover Ring Amanullah’s desire to remain on friendly terms with Great Britain. He has certainly more to gain by retaining - British friendship than from an alliance with Soviet Russia, the leaders of which make no secret of their desire to abolish all forms of government but their own. The Afghan King’s reply to Ralinin, who had sought to remind im that the Russians and Afghans were both Asiatics, .s significant. His Majesty’s eulogy of Western culttire. and his expressed determination that lie would introduce reforms in Afghanistan, based on that cultui’e, must hai T e acted like a cold douche on a wintry day upon Ralinin.