The sun., 1901-12-04
ENGLAND PREPARES IN ASIA,
Nstcs On the New Fortincations " India
Against Afghanis tan and Russia.

The continued, steady and syriomatio
advance OF the Russian Empire Ia Central
Asia has caused Great Britain serious anx-
iety In regard TO her possession OF India.
Consequently she has endeavored, by
pushing on her borders to the northwest,
TO protect her original possessions in the
richest parts Of the peninsula. With this
object in view she first placed her borders
on the Indus, then advanced them TO the
eastern slopes Of the Suleiman Mountains.
and finally to their western slope and for
the same reason she annexed Bemchistan
and subjugated the restless hordes OF the
Hindu-Kush.
The present northwest border Of India
on the western slopes of the Suleiman Noun
tains, in the event Of Russian advance,
10 particularly favorable to England. both
for attack and for defence. The strategic
plan. to meet possible Russian advance.
would be the prompt occupation Of Kabul
and Kandahar. Moreover, the later occu-
patton Of Beluchistan, thereby enclosing
the southern border of Afghanistan. as well
as the occupation Of Chitral and other
points, would materially improve Eng
lands strategic situation. From these
districts the British garrisons would flank
tne Illlt tiNi lllt IdFefS VI
the Suleiman Mountain The occupation of
Chitral opens the road To Shellalabad. at
the same time avoiding the difficult
Khaibar Pass, by going around it.
But the recent exertions Of Russia in
Afghanistan, evidences of which are con-
stantly forthcoming and creating a spirit
OF unrest and insecurity, have in
duced England to do more than prepare
for an active defence OF these difficult
border regions. 1t has become evident
that strong passive defence must also be
prepared by the construction Of fortifica-
tions. Whereas formerly such measures
had in view only the pacification Of unruly
tribes or peoples readily melted To re-
bellion, the plan Of defence for the past
twelve years has also had in view possible
hostile advance on the part OF Russia.
The works were completed at great cost
in the present year
From Kashmir 10 the delta Of the Indus.
al the eastern openings Of the passes, noun
tain forts were constructed, ON the Indus
bridge heads were built. and toward the
Pamir pass barricades we're erected.
Now, whereas formerly the military au-
thorities Of India were satisfied to make
these works proof against the effects Of the
weapons of the natives mostly small
arms, rarely cannon. and then only such Of
small caibre and comparatively Ineffective
these latest fortifoations are Of the most
modern European types, and capable OF
resisting the heaviest field or siege guns.
Rawal- Pindi, Peshawar, and Quetta are
largo intrenched camps with advanced
forts; the other fortihcations are mostly
modelled after the French mountain forts
Besides these. there are in the mountain
regions a number OF forts. block-housoS
and watch towers Of older pattern, designed
to be used in keeping the natives under
control these, although principally OF
local importance, may yet serve as
points of support for certain Of the noun
tain forts Moreover, II must he renlem-
bered that many Of the larger towns arc
prepared for defence
Hand in hand with the erection Of the
fortifications has gone the construction OF
strategcYraiway lines This Is especially
the case in the border regions, which are
covered with a network OF narrow gauge
roads, and in the mountain districts, whore
good lines OF communication have been
built for facilitating military operations.
In word, everything has been done TO
prepare India against ali attack from the
Russians