1-150-688 - The Cartoon Collector/Heritage-Images

Khi-Va La?, 1873. Earl Granville, the Liberal Foreign Secretary in Mr Gladstone's government since 1870, stands guard at India's northern border. This cartoon refers to the increasing concern being felt in Britain at Russia's forthcoming expedition to Khiva which had been proposed by Russian ministers. At that time, Khiva was in independent Turkestan and any advances made by Russia were viewed with considerable disquiet. Lord Granville was assured by the Russians that they had no intention of annexing Khiva, an assurance that was received with some scepticism. Khi-Va La is a play on the French Qui va la - Who goes there. From Punch, or the London Charivari, January 25, 1873.