Marked Confidential; rumour that Lawrence invited only Christian native gentlemen to balls at Government House – Wood asks for information to rebut story should it be raised in Commons.
Discontented that military should think such large scale and expensive arrangements necessary to coerce petty enemies like Bhutanese; there are ill formed rumours of attacks on Indian matters
His resignation [from 16 February], reasons for it, and regrets at ceasing to have part in administration of India; new Parliamentary Under Secretary, (Sir) James Stansfeld is a friend of Wood's; regrets at ending his partnership with Lawrence – 'we differed very on anything and it was a great sa...
Congratulations on termination of Bhutan campaign; de Grey strongly dislikes what Duke of Wellington called "a great country's little wars"; two despatches being sent on matters arising from motions in Commons – working of competitive system of recruitment to civil service (on which de Grey think...
Briefly reiterates position on Oudh; on Bhutan things soldiers 'talked of their doings and the necessity for preparations as if they had been engaged with the Russians instead of with half-armed savages'.
Explains views on despatch being sent on settlement of Indian Army officers grievances; Cranborne's anxiety to stop agitation which meant depriving it of all encouragement in England and thus producing scheme which seemed just to malcontents' representatives in England; latter have received it co...
Proposed survey for Burma road will provide geological facts, etc, which will make it easier to resist pressure from Chambers of Commerce for such a scheme; suggest such a road might be worthwhile if Shan states became tributary to India – extension of influence on that frontier might not be unde...