Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/13/17

Thanks the Governor General for sending copies of letters about Persia, and of Lord Dunkellin's private ones. Is glad that Canning is holding out against any interference from England. General Ferrier, author of the book on Persia, has been staying with Harris, and they have discussed Persia and Afghanistan at length. Ferrier says that as well as Bushire some town at the mouth of the river at the head of the Gulf must be taken. If the Expedition moves inland he says Aberkoh, North East of Shiraz is the place to aim for, a very strong town with plenty of water. Ferrier thinks the policy of sending the Expedition was good, and the only way to deal with the Persians. He also thought the British should meet the Persians or the Russians beyond the Indus, though his chief argument that it was no use waiting for them did not convince him. Apologises again for overlooking the letter about emergent expenditure. Regrets that Canning did not send a Brigadier to China, as the senior regimental officer who will probably get the command is a bad officer. Is sending up proposals to form a Committee to investigate establishments, asks Canning to support the proposal strongly as it will be much opposed by the officers. It will not clash with Mr Ricketts work. Hopes Tanjore affairs are settled, Carnatic matters are still troublesome. Sends a memorandum by General Ferrier.

Enclosed: Memorandum by General Ferrier dated Pondicherry 29 Feb on Abergouh and other fortifiable places in Persia. In French. Also sketch map.