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134 see you remain in office. I have always held that, in a Muhammadan State like Bhopal, a Muhammadan Minister is the most suitable; and his Excellency the Viceroy and the Government of India have also strongly held this opinion.

"The appointment of an English Minister of high character and great administrative experience will doubtless be, in many particulars, for the advantage of the Bhopal State; but it is no more than justice to you to place on official record the fact that the Government are altogether satisfied with your services in Bhopal, and that an English Minister has been selected and nominated by His Excellency the Viceroy in accordance with the urgent and reiterated requests of Her Highness the Begum. It was in accordance with the principle which renders the English Government always disinclined to interfere, except in the last necessity, with the internal affairs of Native States; and fully recognising his obligation to show the utmost deference and consideration for Her Highness' wishes, that His Excellency the Viceroy intimated his willingness to accede to her request and select a suitable English Officer for the post of Minister.

"The Government of India have assured you that your reputation will be not only unimpaired but increased by your conduct during the last few months.

"To this assurance I can add nothing further