Mss Eur F90/28, no.36

Names submitted to Queen for Star of India; Abyssinian expedition; asks for Lawrence's opinion on A S Ayrton's Commons resolutions on India; asks Lawrence's views on changes in Indian administration; Northcote considering (1) remodelling of Bengal administration; (2) partial decentralisation of whole system of Indian Government; (3) adoption of financial system designed to facilitate public works; (4) systematic employment of natives in civil service.

On (1), suggests separation of Assam and Orissa from Bengal; believes that though England is a Christian nation believing itself to possess the highest form of civilisation, a project to christianise and civilise India and impose English methods and standards of administration would require despotic methods which, however benevolent, would not be countenanced by England's democratic institutions; therefore believes British administration in India must be 'localised' – i.e. adapted to 'the wants and the prejudices of each district'.

(2) therefore decentralise, and remove seat of Supreme Govt from Bengal; need to establish clear division of work and responsibility between Presidency Govts and Supreme Govt; former should be directly responsible to Home Govt for some matters; Governors and Viceroy should appoint their own councillors; Viceroy should be unfettered by his Council but subject to Home Govt.

(3) Local Govts should have power to raise local taxes; suggests system of loans from centre to Presidencies to facilitate public works.

(4) possibility of examinations in India to admit natives to Indian Civil Service who would then complete education in England.