"حياة ومراسلات اللواء السير جون مالكوم، قائد فرسان وسام الطُهر، المبعوث السابق إلى بلاد فارس وحاكم بومباي؛ من رسائل ومذكرات غير منشورة. في مجلّدين. المجلد II." [‎١‎٥‎٥] (٦٥٤/١٧٢)

ipefc
POLICY OF THE GOVERNOE-GENERAL.
by a mile. Malcolm had prepared some papers on this
important subject, which he had submitted on his arrival
to Lord Moira, who, on returning them, wrote the fol
lowing letter, which contains, in a few sentences, a sum
mary of the policy he intended to adopt:
lord moira to sir john malcolm.
May G, 1817.
M y dear S ir J ohn ,—Your papers have been read by me
with great satisfaction, because they justify all my own opinions.
It is gratifying to me to find that my notions on a subject so
delicate and complicated as the mode of settling Central India
should be thus sustained by your judgment, founded as it is on
local observation and experience.
The augmenting our territory, unless where some particular
defect in our frontier recommends the advancing to a natural
boundary more easily defensible, or where some special danger is
to be barred by the acquisition, must be an erroneous object. It
is extension of influence, not of possessions, that is the solid policy
for us; and even that influence would be delusive did it not bear
directly on the point of precluding predatory associations. In
this conception I have been solicitous to avoid all differences
which should lead to the subversion of any of the existing native
states, wishing rather to pursue a course which should promote
the stability of even Scindiah's and Holkar's Governments. Were
those chiefs, however, to make common cause with the Pindarrees,
either openly or by covert assistance, they would discard their
character as rulers of states, and must be dealt with as predatory
aggressors. I make this remark to show that, in stating my prin
ciples, I am aware the more or the less of exactness with which it
can be adhered to, in the stir now fast approaching, depends on
events and exigencies not to be foreseen, or to be altogether con
trolled when they arrive.
I have the honor to remain, with great esteem, my dear Sir
John, your faithful and obedient servant,
M oira.
On the 14th of May, Malcolm wrote again to his
wife, saying that his nomination to the high office he had