RUSSIA’S SECRET ALLY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume V, Issue 1536, 9 May 1885, Page 2

RUSSIA’S SECRET ALLY.

The English Government were supposed to have rapid and accurate information of Russia’s progress towards the Af- > ghan frontier until the recent irruption of the troops of the Muscovite upon Herat . opened its eyes to the foily of its complaisant confidence in its Central Asian spies. How is it that the Russians have been enabled to advance their light outposts without the British Government being apprised : n time to stop their movements ? They must have had a raison d'etre for their advance upon the Western Capital of Afghanistan. What was it ? Was it because Persia connived at the movement ? Was it because Russia overcame by force Persia’s objections to allow in" a European power to wedge itself be tween her Eastern frontiers on one side and surround her with hungry hordes on the other ? There is here a hitherto unexplained mystery. One theory upon the subject has not even been broached by any English journal, although it is so important that it deserves consideration in the present extremely critical position of affairs between England and Russia. Where is Ayouh Khan ? Where has he been lurking for the past two years ! There is some reason to believe that Ayoub Khan found his wj>y into the Central Russian Asian camp, and there for purposes of revenge and gain, offered to help the Muscovite to obtain possession of Herat, “ the gate of India," If this theory prove correct, Russia’s advance on Herat is much more formidable than it would appear to be at first sight. Had she gone to Herat single-handed, the Heratese would certainly have opposed her progress; but if she has gone there with Ayoub Khan in her camp, she may rely upon the co-operation of a great number of Afghan warriors, who still consider Ayoub Khan one of the greatest generals that ever ruled as Governor of Herat. Russia, in short, will have all the benefit of Ayoub’a prestige, not only as a successful soldier, but also as a distinguished member of the Royal Family. It cannot here be forgotten that Russia has previously intrigued succsssfully and at considerable expense with members of the Duranee Royal Family of Oabnl. When Abdur Rahman, the present Ameer, was compelled by his kinsman Shore Ali to seek safety in flight from Cabal, he found refuge in the Russian possessions in Turkestan. Russia went further, and supplied him with an annual grant, which enabled him to support the appearance of a Prince in the ancient capital of Bokhara. What England has to consider is whether the Ameer of Afghanistan can now forget his former benefactors—i he Russians—so far as to enter into hostilities against them. She also has to weigh the moral effect upon all Western Afghanistan from Kandahar if Ayoub Khan, since his disappearance from Herat, has been an honored guest of the Russian camp.