Mss Eur F90/26, no.28

On Oudh, thinks blue book satisfactory, its only omission being selection of Davies which Lawrence's letters make good; all Lawrence's letters have been sent to Stanley who will probably be satisfied; explains points on Oudh tenures on which he still disagrees with Lawrence; confesses his understanding of question in 1860 was imperfect; accepts Wingfield's instructions were calculated to destroy occupancy rights if they existed and that it was essential to prevent that happening, but thinks we may have gone too far in converting custom into legal right; comparison with Ireland; agrees that 'when our strong and regular Government deprived the ryots of the power of rising against their landlords, we ought to give them some protection'.

Postscript on question of advance on Punakha; Wood does not wish to be drawn into annexation; unwise to weaken a central power, with whom British must deal, so that he cannot then control his chiefs; is anxious regarding cost of advance into interior – 'we go to fight bows and arrows with as much material as would suffice to engage a huge civilized force and sometimes get beaten after all! Shame!'. [Note: in the letterbook this postscript is attached to Wood's letter of 17 April]