Tempo:
216
Punjab Monarchy and Imperialism
designs on Kabul and the Punjab, and 'the interests of all the states in this quarter required th.at they should unite in defence of their dominions and for the destruction of the enemy's armies. ' 7 The Durbar, while agreeing to the British proposal for a joint defence against the French invasion, suggested that they should go funher and 'establish the strictest union between the two states and put an end to the repons which were constantly circulated throughout the country, of approaching disputes between the British government and the Rajah.' The Maharajah asked specifically that the British government should recognize his sovereignty over the Malwa. Metcalfe was unwilling to discuss the question as it dealt with 'a one-sided interest' whereas his mandate was to discuss only questions of mutual interest. Azizuddin corrected him. The settlement of a common frontier, explained the Fakir, was as much a question of mutual interest as that of making an alliance. Metcalfe prevaricated till the Maharajah's patience was exhausted. He ordered the breaking up of camp and asked the envoy to follow him if he cared to do so. Ranjit Singh crossed the Sutlej and marched to Faridkot. Though nominally under Patiala, Faridkot had revolted and Ranjit Singh was obliged to put down the rebellion as part of his duty as overlord of Patiala. Faridkot did not offer any resistance. Metcalfe arrived at Faridkot and presented the draft of a treaty. It had three clauses providing for joint action against the French in the event of an invasion, passage for British troops through the Durbar's territories, and the establishment of a military depot and an intelligence post in the Punjab, if the action were to take place beyond the Indus. The Durbar presented Metcalfe with a draft of counterproposals. This too had three clauses: first, that the British and the Durbar should extend most favoured nation treatment to each other; the Afghans were not to be given preference; nor should the British enter into any alliance with the rulers of 7 'The infonnation which the Company had collected as to French designs amotu1ted to a hancl.ful of mist.· E. Thompson. p. 77.
Punjab Monarchy and Imperialism
designs on Kabul and the Punjab, and 'the interests of all the states in this quarter required th.at they should unite in defence of their dominions and for the destruction of the enemy's armies. ' 7 The Durbar, while agreeing to the British proposal for a joint defence against the French invasion, suggested that they should go funher and 'establish the strictest union between the two states and put an end to the repons which were constantly circulated throughout the country, of approaching disputes between the British government and the Rajah.' The Maharajah asked specifically that the British government should recognize his sovereignty over the Malwa. Metcalfe was unwilling to discuss the question as it dealt with 'a one-sided interest' whereas his mandate was to discuss only questions of mutual interest. Azizuddin corrected him. The settlement of a common frontier, explained the Fakir, was as much a question of mutual interest as that of making an alliance. Metcalfe prevaricated till the Maharajah's patience was exhausted. He ordered the breaking up of camp and asked the envoy to follow him if he cared to do so. Ranjit Singh crossed the Sutlej and marched to Faridkot. Though nominally under Patiala, Faridkot had revolted and Ranjit Singh was obliged to put down the rebellion as part of his duty as overlord of Patiala. Faridkot did not offer any resistance. Metcalfe arrived at Faridkot and presented the draft of a treaty. It had three clauses providing for joint action against the French in the event of an invasion, passage for British troops through the Durbar's territories, and the establishment of a military depot and an intelligence post in the Punjab, if the action were to take place beyond the Indus. The Durbar presented Metcalfe with a draft of counterproposals. This too had three clauses: first, that the British and the Durbar should extend most favoured nation treatment to each other; the Afghans were not to be given preference; nor should the British enter into any alliance with the rulers of 7 'The infonnation which the Company had collected as to French designs amotu1ted to a hancl.ful of mist.· E. Thompson. p. 77.
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