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218 as possible, the steps which Lord Dalhousie actually took to maintain the equipoise between the Regular Native Forces and the British Troops in India.

Lord Dalhousie was deeply convinced of the dangers incident to an inadequate strength of English regiments in India. He not only protested against any reduction of the English troops, but urged the necessity of their increase. Under the Bill of 1853, the Government obtained the sanction of Parliament to raise the strength of the Local European Regiments in India, from a maximum of 12,000 to a maximum of 20,000 men. But instead of vigorously availing themselves of this permission, it is stated that the Home Authorities added only three regiments to the Company's Local European Force during Lord Dalhousie's rule.

Meanwhile the Home Government began that fatal process of depletion which was, in 1857, to cost so dear. Under the pressure of the Crimean War they demanded two of Her Majesty's Infantry Regiments from India. Lord Dalhousie protested in terms which have been well described as prophetic. He solemnly warned the Home Government that the question was not alone one of the present exigencies of India, but the larger and more permanent question of 'the security and stability of our position in the East.'

'We are perfectly secure so long as we are strong, and are believed to be so;' wrote Lord