Photocopies of correspondence between the Viceroy the Earl of Mayo and the Secretary of State for India the Duke of Argyll taken from the Mayo Papers at Cambridge University Library.
Distrusts evidence regarding alleged unreliability of Madras Army; does not share view that time is coming when Native Army will hardly be needed except on frontier – still many military and fanatical tribes in India; existence of different elements in Native Army positive advantage; fact that Ma...
Argyll and Political Committee of Council unanimously approve Mayo's proposal to create a new central agency for native states of Rajputana and Central India; Sir G Clerk urges there should not be too many local officers as 'young Politicals are apt to interfere vexatiously with the native Prince...
Admiralty to provide permanent squadron for Persian Gulf to be at disposal of Govt of India which will also be able to call on other ships in Indian seas for special service; if this service is really performed, it will be cheap at cost of £70,000.
Remonstrates against tone of several recent despatches and minutes from India; in proposing military reductions, Home Govt had in mind reductions in Commissariat and suchlike branches, and therefore not inconsistent to object to reducing manpower; objectionable for General (Sir) H Norman (Militar...
Agrees with Mayo's conclusion against Frere's suggestion that Rajputana line should be given to Bombay and Baroda Company; Argyll strongly against Guaranteed Company system even before he knew Lawrence supported direct Govt construction; surprised to discover William Thornton (Head of India Offic...
Mayo will have been disappointed at home authorities' response to proposed military reductions, but 'Indian requirements cannot absolutely rule questions affecting the constitution of the British Army'; Argyll opposed to experiment of large Local European Army; Lord Napier (new C-in-C, India) opp...