WITH AFGHAN EYES.

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume XLIX, Issue 12566, 1 August 1905, Page 7

WITH AFGHAN EYES.

♦ — Tito last century produced no Asiatic statesman of greater ability or keener insight (says the Saturday Review) than tho late Ameer, Abdur Rahman, l'o is unquestionably his teachings «hich dominate the policy of his successor. In h.!s remarkable 'autobiography, Abdur Rahman has discussed with astonishing frankness all the considerations which must guide the actions of his nation. He has drawn on his own experience and the fate of others in his position for warnings against the pitfalls which surround a ruler oi tlip Afghans. In the forefront ol his policy at every point stands the necessity of maintaining an independent Afghanistan, from which all foreigners and foreign influence should be jealously excluded. He has marked the doom trf. all the surrounding countries, and classified tho methods by which they have lost their independence. Moreover, the character of his people made such aloofness necessary to his own stability. Once suspected of too friendly leanings towards any foreign Power his authority would have been undermined. Ho is at pains to explain that he was obliged to conceal his real feelings. "I way unable," ho writes, "to show my friendship publicly because my people were ignorant and fanatical. If I showed any inclination towards the English they woukl call me an infidel, and proclaim a religions war against me." li€ krew well that England has no desire to occupy his country, but that Russia requires it to gain access to India, "There is no doubt that Russia is always plotting towards one end—the invasion of India." "Treaty or no treatj England should be responsible for the protection of Afghanistan; both nations should stand or fall together." Yet with this strong conviction his final inji notion is that no English army should b3 admitted even to oppose a Russian advance till the Afghan forces had been finally defeated. In every point th« policy of the Afghans is directed to-■-ward's the safety which, according to their views—and who shall say they are wrong—is only to be found in isolation. Moreover, while making terms with one neighbour they have to avoid any cause of rupture with the other. "Appeal friendly with Russia, for she is a Great Power, and might be of some service, but avoid close relations." We arc treating with the ruler of jealous and fanatical tribes, held together by a loose tie, and firmly convinced that safetj lies in avoiding all external complications. Even to secure safety from the aggressor whom he really fears, he wil] not risk too great an intimacy with a foreign ally. In his reasoned appreciation of his own interests we may be content to find the best guarantee that he will cast in his lot with the Power that offers least menace to his national existence.