Photocopies of correspondence between the Viceroy the Earl of Mayo and the Secretary of State for India the Duke of Argyll taken from the Mayo Papers at Cambridge University Library.
Disappointment with Indian financial position; permission telegraphed to borrow £2-3 million; political importance of getting Indian capitalists to invest in Indian debt; approves Mayo's intention to procure expenditure reductions; suggests reduction of military charges should be possible now tha...
Home authorities anxious that large loans contemplated for Indian public works should not be made public, since such large anticipations would affect money market injuriously; loans must be raised from year to year.
In pursuing financial equilibrium, Mayo should bear in mind that previous budget estimates have shown surplus but actual result has been deficit; anxious to receive Govt of India'' report on railways; is glad that Mayo has had satisfactory meeting with Amir, and hopes there were no 'entangling en...
Possibility of employing American railway engineer on Indian railways to introduce American methods of construction and economy, with enclosed letter of 11 May from Edward Thornton (British Minister in U.S) on his enquiries, and letter of 7 July from Col (Sir) R Strachey (Secretary, Indian Public...
Memorial from landowners against Punjab Tenancy Act; though not as hostile to Act as some at home, Argyll thinks it may go too far in giving rights of occupancy, and hesitates to confirm it; wishes Mayo to consider with his Council how far it should be amended or repealed and a new Act substitute...
Delay in beginning Lahore-Peshawar line; irregularities among railway companies; loss of guaranteed lines important contributory cause to Indian deficit; need to make savings through efficient management of existing lines and economical construction of new ones; 'Lancashire is now in great distre...
Glad Mayo is probing 'bottomless deficiencies' in financial system; agrees to intended increase in Income tax even during middle of financial year; Duke of Edinburgh cannot be allowed to keep all presents that may be given him; donors can be told in advance to avoid extravagance; £5000 worth of a...
Explains reasons for doubting advisability of making Military Member of Council rather than C-in-C sole military representative in Governor-General's Council in India; analogy with War Minister and C-in-C in England is invalid – Council's authority is much less and consequently C-in-C, India's po...
Reference in Public Works Dept circular, denouncing taking of commissions by civil engineers in India, has brought indignant denial from Institute of Civil Engineers.