It was due to Lawrence's perception of the change brought about by Russian action in the Khanate of Bokhara, near the Afghan border.
"The Development of the European Nations, 1870-1914 (5th ed.)"
John Holland Rose
This Khanate intervened between Bokhara and the Caspian Sea, which the Russians used as their base of operations on the west.
"The Development of the European Nations, 1870-1914 (5th ed.)"
John Holland Rose
The Czar's officials had little difficulty in picking a quarrel with the Khanate of Khokand.
"The Development of the European Nations, 1870-1914 (5th ed.)"
John Holland Rose