Cabinet decision that day to prepare for Abyssinian expedition in 1867 if possible, or 1868; briefly discusses how Indian Govt and Sir R Napier (C-in-C, Bombay) should approach task.
Abyssinian expedition and its timing; whole conduct of expedition to be placed in Napier's hands; Commons debate on Orissa famine critical of Beadon but sympathetic to Lawrence; cruel that famine should have occurred when India 'was under the charge of one so peculiarly distinguished for his affe...
Letter from Sir James Fergusson (Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for India) to Lawrence
Scope & Content:
Is to become Under-Secretary at Home Office; Commons debate on Orissa Famine; regrets some things said by Cranborne; hard words in Commons a fair reflection of public opinion; debate attracted more attention than usual for Indian subjects; debate on Jervis Court Martial case.
Names submitted to Queen for Star of India; Abyssinian expedition; asks for Lawrence's opinion on A S Ayrton's Commons resolutions on India; asks Lawrence's views on changes in Indian administration; Northcote considering (1) remodelling of Bengal administration; (2) partial decentralisation of ...
Doubts regarding reduction in salaries of Resident at Baroda and Political Agent in Kathiawar; danger of low salary exposing Resident at a native court to temptation; on indigo question Northcote's sympathises with cultivators, but favours commission of enquiry; Oldham has little chance of knight...
Expenditure on Abysinnian is right – 'a failure would be unspeakably disastrous'; faulty handling by Col A Fytche (Chief Commissioner of British Burma) of Burma scandal; decision not to stop Godavari works – he agrees with Napier that such works should be charged to income and be regarded like ro...
Dwarkanath Mitter's appointment to High Court; correspondence on Abyssinian expedition carried on direct with Bombay with copies sent to Lawrence; has appointed special committee of his Council to consider Govt of Bengal and kindred matters.
Abyssinian expedition may necessitate recall of Parliament in November; risk that consequence of expedition may be to de-stabilise the country and thus encourage Egyptian interference; India will bear ordinary pay of troops, but all other costs of expedition will be borne by Home Govt; does not w...