Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/7/8

Has heard the bad news from China. Agrees with Canning that the Government cannot afford to lose all the men who have taken their discharge, if they can be sent eastward to China instead of westward home. It may seem a triumph to the men, but it is much more important to strengthen the forces in China than to bother about this. Hopes 4,000 or 5,000 of the men may enlist again, and that Canning will have been able to act before too many of the men left. Canning will receive instructions about China. Nothing on a large scale can be done in China till spring, but there must be provision against anything going wrong at Canton, and also preparation for the future if it become necessary to enforce the treaty of Tientsing. Canning should send at once one European regiment and one or two native regiments Then he should offer bounty to the discharged men to enter for the Queen's general service, to be put into either the Artillery of the 1st Foot, into the Marines, or into the regiments going from India to China. None of the discharged men should remain in India longer than can be helped. Supposes that Canning will be able to find transport, he may have some of the Indian Navy steamers. The expense will be borne by England. It is impossible to leave those men who have remained true in a worse plight than those who demanded discharge, therefore all may have one or two years service allowed. Canning should make the men still in service agree to general service and then give them the bounty. This alteration will save the honour of the Government The whole story is not creditable. Discusses the composition of the force to be sent to China later, if the Chinese do not ratify. Canning might be able to send 5,000 to 7,000 Europeans and 1,000 more natives, with more to follow if necessary. Many people in England are anxious for Sikh regiments to be sent to China, but Sir George Clerk is against this and Sir John Lawrence is very doubtful and suggests volunteers from Sikh regiments. If many of the discharged Europeans volunteer for service in China officers will be required, and they may either be transferred from the local force to the Line, or, if they wish, may be attached only and return to their own corps afterwards. Canning should telegraph his decision to Madras and Bombay so that it may be announced to any discharged men there. Thinks the discharged men must lose their time.

Enclosed: Extract of a letter from Sir John Lawrence to Sir Charles Wood, 15 Sep 1859, on the employment of Punjab troops in China. Endorsed: One copy sent to Sir R Montgomery 12 Nov 1859.