Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/3/8

Informs Lord Canning that a Secret Despatch goes out by the present mail, authorizing the Government of India to supply Dost Mahomed or any de facto ruler of Herat with arms and even with officers. Names officers likely to be of service at Herat. His opinion was asked by the President of the Board of Control, and he in reply expressed fear that these relations with Herat and Dost Mahomed might involve the British again in Afghanistan, with lavish expenditure, and disaster; and that the safest way would be to tell the Shah that unless his forces withdrew from Herat, war would be declared against Persia, and an expedition sent. This has been telegraphed to Lord Stratford. Gives his reasons for believing that Persia would panic at this threat. The Persian Army being disorganized, 5,000 men would suffice for the occupation of Bushire. The requisition of the Government of India for more European officers for native Regiments is a most proper one, and should be insisted upon. Remarks on the wrong notion of some at home as to the number of officers that should be with each corps. Refers to the mischief of leaving Regiment under-officered. Recommends Lieutenant Sykes, who is in no way connected with himself. Lord Hardinge has been struck down by paralysis.

Secret. Received 13 Aug.