Anglo-Indians drew their breaths a little when they heard of
Sir Mortimer Durand's Mission to Cahill, knowing well that the Afghans do not intend to have an Envoy there, whatever the consequences may be. There is, however, little to fear on the present occasion, even from the fierce mob of Cabul. The Envoy takes no troops with him, Abdurra,hman as a Mussul- man will not betray an invited guest, and even the Cabulees will hardly dare to inflict a dishonour on their terrible lord, who has despatched his most trusted favourite to escort the Empress's agent safely into Cabul. The Mission on the 21st Inst. was at Basawal ; all well. The real point of interest is what Abdurrahtnan Khan wants, that after evading Lord Roberts's visit, he should welcome that of Sir Mortimer Durand. We are not at all sure that he wishes doubtful territories to be "demarcated," or that he is anxious for a larger subsidy. It is probable that he wants clearer information as to what he may, and may not, do in resisting Russia, and that the question of the succession begins to press. The Ameer knows quite well the anarchy which will follow his own death; he also knows the hold Ayoub Khan has upon all Afghans, both as a soldier and as eldest male of the Douranee House ; and he may very well desire peremptory assurances as to the support to be given to his son. It is most difficult to give them ; but fortunately, Sir Mortimer Durand is a diplomatist of first-rate force.
