Acknowledges Lawrence's letters of 19 and 23 January which he will leave to de Grey; hopes when Lawrence returns they may have many opportunities to talk over matters.
Acknowledges Lawrence's letters of 2 and 8 February; explains his position on borrowing for irrigation; agrees with Lawrence in preferring Govt action to private enterprise in irrigation works and has tried to impress this opinion on successors; Stanley's case; restates his position on Oudh tenur...
Asks Lawrence to assist emissary being sent to India by King of Belgians to make enquiries which King unable to conclude personally during recent visit.
Acknowledges Lawrence's letter of 5 March; Indian financial situation; asks Lawrence's views on succession duty; asks whether any substance in complaint, brought to notice by Sir R Hamilton (retired Agent to Governor-General in Central India), of Maharaja Holkar of Indore regarding sanad granted ...
Acknowledges Lawrence's letter of 5 April; asks for Indian Accounts to be furnished month or two earlier to facilitate India Office compliance with statutory requirements for their presentation to Parliament; shows some sympathy with Lawrence's views on Wood's despatch on Eden's conduct [cf Lawre...
Acknowledges Lawrence's letters of 20 April; opposes meddling foreign policy though occasionally interference may be necessary (Bahawalpur may soon call for it); agrees with Lawrence's opposition to meddling in Central Asia; approves annual migration to Simla as enabling Lawrence to remain in Ind...
Acknowledges Lawrence's letters of 4 May; agrees with his views on extension of terms of office of Beadon and Maine, and on summoning Ellis from Madras to be member of Legislative Council; explains leakage of Perry's memorandum; Wood did not think it advisable to take up Perry's scheme; question ...
Is unfortunate in not knowing men at head of Governments in India but hopes that will not hinder Lawrence from communicating with him confidentially; is anxious to settle question of military grievances.
His Council have reached decision on money part of question of Azim Jah's claims, but payment is conditional on his accepting title marking his renunciation of all claims to the masnad of the Carnatic; on this point of imperial policy it was felt necessary to consult Lawrence; points to be decide...