Quotes letter received from vakil in Kabul giving new Amir's statement on his policy regarding Herat and Persia, and wish to observe treaties with Persian and British Governments.
In filling vacancies in Governor-General's Council and Secretariat, criterion should be merit rather than regard for provincial representation; Local Governments can use Legislative Council to put their best men on path to Executive Council; important for its efficiency that good men accept offic...
Hill expedition mentioned in letter of 18 October (1) has prostrated Elgin; not yet able to say whether his power to undertake duties will be impaired; Lady Elgin has brought up his medical man from Calcutta; has got over immediate effects; Chamberlain has not pursued his expedition as vigorously...
Sends papers relating to levy of Sikhs for Ceylon – root of problem seems to be designation 'Pioneers' given by Ceylon Government to their Coolie Corps.
Wood's decision not to send Sikh troops to New Zealand has relieved Elgin; whole question of sending troops on foreign service needs consideration; possibility of raising regiments specially for foreign service; both Rose and Sir R (later Lord) Napier (Military Member of Council) favoured orderin...
Regrets Wood's change of opinion on use of cash balances for public works, but grateful Wood informed him directly; considers reduction of cash balances unwise since it will make raising money for emergencies more expensive; sends copy of his minute on irrigation works; question of appointment of...
Complaint from (Sir) Hugh Rose (C-in-C, India) at tone of Norman's correspondence; Elgin's orders to Norman to write in strong terms on question of extra clothing for Artillery men; explains why he prefers to transact business with high officials in writing.