The Dispatches of Field Marshal the Duke of Wellington, K. G. During His Various Campaigns in India, Denmark, Portugal, Spain, the Low Countries, and - Softcover

Reseña del editor

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1835. Excerpt: ... MEMORANDUM ON THE TREATY OF BASSEIN. 'As the Author of the " Observations on Marhatta Affairs" does not appear to me to have viewed the policy of the treaty of Bassein, in the light in which I have viewed it; and as I conceive that much of his reasoning upon the subject is to be attributed to the erroneous view, in my opinion, of the political state of India, at the time the treaty was made, I deem it necessary to advert shortly to the political situation of the great powers in India, at different periods in which any important change has taken place, since the peace of Seringapatam, before I proceed to consider the amendments to the treaty of Bassein, which have been proposed. 'In the consideration of all questions of Indian policy, it is necessary to extend our views beyond those powers immediately possessing territory. It is well known that the French have never ceased to look to the re-establishment of their power in India; and although they possess no territory on the Continent, they have at all times had some influence in the councils of the different native princes, and sometimes great power, by means of the European adventurers, introduced into the native armies. There can be no doubt but that the French government would avail themselves of an instrument, such as the influence or power of these adventurers would give them, to prosecute their favorite plan in India; and it is equally certain, that whether at peace or at war with Great Britain, the object of every French statesman must be to diminish the influence, the power, and the prosperity of the British Government in India. I therefore conclude that, in the consideration of every question of Indian policy, or in an inquiry into the expediency of any political measure, it is absolutely necessar...