AMANULLAH

while he outlined liis plans for the outwitting of his
enemies. It was a hard task for Sir Francis to keep
silent if he wished to voice his fears, but his strict policy
of non-interference with the domestic politics of this
strange land was never shaken*

Other visitors to the big white house were the diplo-
mats from other legations. The Russians came, though
there were already signs of strain between the repre-
sentatives of the two countries. They would stare in
envy at the imposing building, convey to their host their
congratulations at his confidence in the future, and retire
wondering at the strange policy of Great Britain.

The Germans would come, and would share the
astonishment of their neighbours in the Legation district
nearer the summer resort of Paghman. They also would
wonder how it came about that a nation willing to pay
so much money for the institution of a diplomatic
mission in Kabul, should yet let slide the opportunities
for trade as Great Britain had done.

For Kabul was packed with German and Russian
engineers. There were already the pilots who formed the
nucleus of an all-Russian Air Force. They had uniforms
of a style all their own. They were pale blue giants,
gaitered and even occasionally spurred, and they also
were piling up the mountains of debt that the Govern-
ment already owed to its servants*

There were Italian wireless engineers on the pay-roll,
ready for a wirellss station. There were engineers for
road-making, come to teach the Afghan contractor the
latest methods of the West, There were German mining
engineers, idling their time away in Kabul,, waiting for
orders that never came.

Amanullah was convinced that his country was rich
in precious metals. He was, indeed, correct in this

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