Mss Eur F699/1/1/1/14/45

Regrets that Canning thought the preamble of the General Orders directing the assemblage of a force for foreign service passed over the Supreme Government. Nothing could be more contrary to Elphinstone's intention. Since orders for the Expedition were first received, the Bombay Government has been in an embarrassing position midway between the two controlling authorities. It is true that the Government of India is not mentioned in the General Order but this does not mean that it is passed over. Considering the probable unpopularity of the expedition both in India and England, and Canning's own reluctance to embark on it, Elphinstone would not have supposed that Canning minded the true originators being shown. The Government of India might equally well be charged with passing over the Secret Committee in the Proclamation of 1 Nov which announces the assembly of forces under instructions from Her Majesty's Government. Canning's Despatch arrived too late to alter the rendezvous at Bunder Abbas, but Sir Henry Leeke has been told to attend to any remonstrance on the part of the Imam's Government and to shift the rendezvous to Bassadore if necessary. Elphinstone has sent an explanation to the Imam, and a translation of the Proclamation.