Despatches being sent to Canning approving his handling of claim by Company's European troops for discharge, and enquiring position regarding King of Delhi and ex-King of Oudh, about which questions sure to be raised in Parliament.
Council [of India – i.e. Secretary of State's Council] approves Canning's view on question of Company's European troops; is seeking legal opinion on competence of Parliament to transfer services of men without their consent; is inclined to agree they should be given some concession as a favour, n...
Attorney-General, and most probably other Law Officers, confirm power of Parliament to transfer Company's European troops to Crown; both he and Derby approve course followed by Canning as detailed in his letter of 3 December.
Lawrence has taken his seat in Council – missionary party's hopes to monopolise him; is under pressure to appoint Sanitary Commission to investigate mortality of European troops in India and will probably do so if Sidney Herbert will Chair it; probability of European war will increase readiness t...