Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/7/12

Fears that a considerable force may be needed for China, and this should be prepared. The force sent must not be inferior to that of the French, and they propose to send a considerable force. Everything must be drawn from India, and if necessary some will be replaced from England. The Europeans could be drawn from Madras. Canning should inform Wood as soon as possible what he can send to China, and what he needs from England. Discusses details. Frere is to join the Council, and may have to undertake a department, if any change is made Elphinstone is in favour of Councils, and says his has been of the greatest service. Wood thinks the Members should be Cabinet Ministers rather than mere Secretaries. Asks if they should be appointed by the Governor General without any check or sanction from England. Wilson leaves on 19 Oct, hopes he will be useful. Is glad Canning agrees about Afghanistan. Is anxious for a reply about Peshawur. Cannot get over the confiscation in Oudh having enabled Canning to upset so completely all that the Government has been doing in settling the tenures in Oudh. It is so directly the contrary of what he supposed the intention or effect of the Proclamation. Canning's policy in settling Oudh is not mistrusted, but it is a revolution. Five years ago the revenue system of the North West Provinces was considered near perfect, but it did not succeed in Oudh, and the Government may have to try to restore many of the landholders in the North West Provinces. The British should adopt and improve what they find in a country, and carry the natives with them, and use them. Wood is afraid of large taxation, and if the country cannot be governed with a small army the British will not be able to govern it at all. No universal system of government can be devised for all India. He is depressed about the Indian future, as everything seems out of joint. Asks about more independent action for the subordinate Governments of India.