Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/7/3

Hopes shortly for an account of the result of the discharge of the European soldiers. The line regiments must be kept in India to give no chance for any native discontent to show itself. Regrets the occurrence. The state of Indian finances disturbs him day and night. It is not easy to borrow all that is needed for present purposes, and he does not like the future prospects. Asks for information of what can be done in India. Fears the too military organisation of the new police, it may be only a native army under a new name, and as dangerous. Asks if the old Police are to be put down. Does not think that in India the provision of ways and means should be separated from expenditure. In England the Chancellor of the Exchequer performs both functions, and Wood is sending out a financial councillor to superintend both revenue and financial departments. Thinks that James Wilson is the best man for this. Is inclined to agree with Stanley that a Secretarial Council would be the most efficient, but the time is not ripe for the change at present. Asks if the Mission has gone to Afghanistan and Herat, he is not sure of the wisdom of this. Asks for a Despatch or letter on the honours for Civil Servants for their conduct during the Mutiny as soon as possible. Sir John Lawrence urges the abandonment of Peshawur to the Dost, Wood very much doubts the policy of this but would like to have Canning's views.