3 JANUARY 1880, Page 9

The flight of Abdurrahman, nephew of Shere Ali, from the

Russian dominions is of good omen for British policy in Afghanistan. He is believed to be on his way to Herat, and as he is the ablest of all the competitors for the crown, he may be able to rebuild the Ameership, and so create a Government with which we can treat for the relinquishment of the country. In the absence of such a government, we are compelled to occupy posts which involve all the disadvantages and none of the advantages of annexation. Even if we decide to remain, it will be easier to fight the troops of a regular government, whether nominally headed by Musa Khan, or really headed by Abdurrahman, than to contend with an insurrection. ;